New Studies Show Staying Out of the Sun is Damaging to Our Health
ITA Blames the Sunscreen and Cosmetic Industries, Along with Dermatologists, For Overstating Concerns about the Sun
WASHINGTON – Today the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) accused the sunscreen and cosmetic industries of unnecessarily frightening people out of any sun exposure, thereby contributing to vitamin D deficiency among
Americans.
The ITA’s charge comes on the heels of two new studies showing that vitamin D, which is produced by the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning beds, protects against a number of cancers, including colon and breast cancer, in addition to decreasing the risk of heart disease.
One study—published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences—found that as populations get less exposure to sunlight they incur higher rates of internal cancer. Additionally, chances of surviving cancer increase in relation to our amount of sun exposure.
The second study — published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association — found that individuals who don’t get enough vitamin D are at greater risk for heart disease. The study’s lead author explained:
Low levels of vitamin D are highly prevalent in the United States, especially in areas without much sunshine. Twenty to 30 percent of the population in many areas has moderate to severe vitamin D deficiency … A growing body of evidence suggests that low levels of vitamin D may adversely affect the cardiovascular system.
“Junk science is driving the movement to keep people out of the sun,” said Sarah Longwell, Director of Communications for the Indoor Tanning Association. “We’ve been told for so long that any exposure to the sun is harmful. The fact is, what is harming us is the deceptive misinformation campaign by the sunscreen and cosmetic industries that are complicit in overstating exposure concerns.”
Longwell continued: “Whether we are talking about food, wine, or sun exposure, the message is the same: when enjoyed in moderation not only are these things not bad for us, they help us live better, healthier lives.”
The Indoor Tanning Association represents thousands of indoor tanning manufacturers, distributors, facility owners and members from other support industries. The ITA promotes a responsible message about moderate tanning and sunburn prevention.
Contact: Sarah Longwell—202.420.7865
http://www.theita.com/%5Cnews%5C1.8.2008PressRelease.pdf