Fabutan agrees to stop promoting unproven health benefits of indoor tanning

Rate this article: 1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
Loading...

Fabutan which is the largest indoor tanning chain in Canada was fined heavily by authorities for making false claims and not displaying the facts properly. Fabutan has more than 150 stores all over Canada and offers artificial Tanning Bed services to its users.

As per the official agreement, it has to display the true picture of effects of tanning beds. As per the evidences collected by Competition Bureau officials, the company advertised the positive effects of Tanning beds like tanning and Vitamin D production and the ill-effects of tanning beds were not displayed. As per the agreement, the company must advertise the facts that the exposure in sun or tanning bed is not compulsory for the Vitamin D production. The company even failed to educate its users about the ill-effects of using tanning beds. Tanning will increase the skin ageing and the chances of getting skin cancers will also get increased. The company failed to advertise these important aspects and was fined heavily by the authorities.

Fabutan solarium

According to the scientific reports, whatever the method may be, tanning provides SPF in the range of 2-4. But in Canada, it is recommended to apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 if coming out during day time is compulsory. So Fabutan who had made some false claims and didn’t reveal the side effects of artificial tanning was fined $62,500. This is a significant amount considering the fact that the maximum fine in Canada is $100,000. The Competition Bureau which is responsible for implementing the Canada’s Competition Act took these issues seriously and warned Fabutan not to make false claims.

Some from now on, whenever the Fabutan authorities describe the effects of tanning and Vitamin D production, they need to show concurrent proofs and they must also explain the ill-effects of tanning to its users. As per the press release given by Mercer, Competition Bureau; it is compulsory to show the health warnings and the branches of Fabutan will be randomly and periodically checked to know whether they are displaying the warning signs properly or not.

Though there is no direct relation between the use of tanning beds and Psoriasis, some users reported that the severity of the Psoriasis decreased with frequent use of tanning beds. According to scientific studies, psoriasis and eczema can be treated with light therapy. UVB spectrum in the range of 310 nm to 315 nm is proved to be effective in treating Psoriasis. But all the tanning beds don’t provide these particular wavelengths and it is the moral responsibility of the Fabutan personnel to educate their users about the same. Use of topical cream Psoralen and tanning beds resulted in positive outcomes.

One must note here that it doesn’t mean that all the tanning beds have the capability to cure skin diseases. Some users may not feel comfortable after artificial tanning sessions. It is the responsibility of Fabutan personnel to check whether the person is suitable to enter into tanning bed or not. If they don’t follow rules correctly, Competition Bureau officials will impose fine once again and they even cancel the license of Fabutan.

 

References

http://www.canada.com/story_print.html?id=82bba8ea-e2b1-42a5-8b2f-eebac2bff49f&sponsor=

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanning_bed#cite_ref-61