No tan is a safe tan March 2010
No tan is a safe tan 
Canadian Cancer Society dispels myths about indoor tanning
Canwest News ServiceMarch 12, 2010 http://www.edmontonjournal.com/health/safe/2673647/story.html 
With March Break springing up in many parts of the country, the Canadian Cancer Society issued the following reminder: if you're thinking of getting a "base tan" by using a tanning bed or sun lamp before going on a sunny holiday, think again.
"There's no safe way to get a tan," says Heather Chappell, director of Cancer Control Policy at the Canadian Cancer Society. "Tanned skin is damaged skin. When your skin changes colour after being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, it's because your skin is trying to protect itself."
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. It's also one of the most preventable.
In 2009, 5,000 Canadians were expected to be diagnosed with melanoma (skin cancer) and about 940 died from the disease. Melanoma incidence rates are increasing each year. Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common form of cancer among Canadians, with 75,100 expected cases in 2009 and 270 expected deaths.
"In order to reduce your risk of skin cancer, the society advises Canadians not to use indoor tanning equipment," Chappell says.
MYTHS AND FACTS
The indoor tanning industry has promoted false claims that tanning is safe. Here are the facts:
Myth: There is no conclusive evidence that indoor tanning causes cancer.
Fact: Yes there is. World-renowned cancer research experts have determined there is a direct link between using indoor tanning equipment and skin cancer. No studies have proved otherwise.
Myth: Indoor tanning is safe as long as you don't burn.
Fact: There is no safe way to get a tan. Any type and amount of exposure to UV rays can be harmful as it is responsible for DNA damage which increases a person's cancer risk. Tanned skin is damaged skin. In fact, any use of indoor tanning equipment before the age of 35 has been found to increase the risk of melanoma by 75 per cent.
Myth: A tan protects you from the sun.
Fact: A tan offers almost no protection from sunlight or burning. And some tanning beds can expose you to five times more radiation than the sun. Getting a tan from a tanning bed doesn't properly protect you from the sun.
Myth: Visiting the tanning salon is a good way to get vitamin D.
Fact: Tanning beds are not a safe way to get vitamin D. It is safer to get it from limited exposure to the sun, supplements and your diet. In the fall and winter, a supplement is a much safer and cheaper way to get your vitamin D.
Myth: Having a tan is healthy.
Fact: No, it's not. When your skin colour changes, it's damaged and that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.
THE SOCIETY'S POSITION
Because indoor tanning is especially harmful to young people, the Canadian Cancer Society believes:
- -People under the age of 18 should not be allowed by law to use indoor tanning equipment.
- -Indoor tanning advertising aimed at people under the age of 18 should be banned.
For more information, go to www.cancer.caand search using the words indoor tanning.
********************************************
Note by Henry Lahore: I still do not see a problem of getting vitamin D from UVB if limit the amount – plenty to get vitamin D, but not enough to get a tan/damage the skin.