Monday, April 27, 2015

BEWARE OF MISLEADING CLAIMS OF INDOOR TANNING



There have been numerous cases where indoor ultra-violet tanning was linked to serious skin problems, including increased risk for skin cancer. Herbally Radiant has been advising its customers to avoid indoor tanning, especially if their skin is sensitive or has any allergic condition.
The New York Atty Gen Schneiderman has filed lawsuits against Portofino Spas and Total Tan Inc, accusing both of false advertising in order to promote indoor tanning as a “safe way” to reap many benefits, and failure to provide required warnings to consumers.
Schneiderman accused Portofino and Total Tan of irresponsible business practice that seeks to rake in profits by misleading the public about the safety of their services, and warned that advertising and marketing cannot be used as a tool to confuse and endanger consumers.
Even WHO has added indoor tanning to its list of most dangerous forms of cancer-causing radiation and placed it in the highest cancer risk category. US Surgeon General issued a warning report earlier advising against ultra-violet light exposure for tanning which increases the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer – that is responsible for 9,000 deaths in US every year, besides lost workdays and huge medical costs.
Attorney General has issued warning notices to many others who are offering tanning services without informing customers of the risks involved. To help educate the public and raise awareness of the harms by indoor tanning, the Attorney General’s office has released a brochure on indoor tanning safety, and opened helpline:1-800-428-9071 for more information.
Similar misleading and unverifiable claims being made by skin care brands also falls in the same category. These brands should also be advised to abstain from making unsubstantiated misleading claims. Consumers must know of the risks of  so-called  “new” or “magic” skin care products, as well as counterfeit products, advertised as “amazingly effective”, but without genuine scientific evidence to back such claims.

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