Posted on 12/08/2009 2:39:47 PM PST by Thebaddog
First there was the "Bo-tax" on elective cosmetic surgeries. Now, a new tax on indoor tanning services could be in play, as Senate Democrats continue to hunt for healthcare revenues anywhere they can.
The concept of an excise tax on tanning services, which could include salon walk-ins or tanning beds and sunlamps sold for residential use, was floated in a weekend Senate staff meeting on the health bill. Officials described the idea as preliminary and not being seriously considered at this time. But as senators continue to draft amendments to add spending or scale back other pay-fors, all bets could be off. It would also be in keeping with Senate Democrats' desire to keep any new revenue sources within the healthcare system.
Indoor tanning has come under increasing fire of late for harmful health effects. Last week, the FDA issued a warning on its Web site, "Indoor Tanning: The Risks of Ultraviolet Rays."
Looking for more? For CongressDaily articles and markup reports, see our Healthcare Reform page.
For more healthcare articles as well as blogs, videos and related materials, see the National Journal Group's expanded health page. "Sunlamps and tanning beds promise consumers a bronzed body year-round, but the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from these devices poses serious health risks," the FDA post said. It goes on to quote Sharon Miller, an FDA scientist and expert on UV radiation: "Although some people think that a tan gives them a 'healthy' glow, any tan is a sign of skin damage ... over time, this damage will lead to prematurely aged skin and, in some cases, skin cancer."
The FDA noted that in July, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Health Organization, concluded that tanning devices are "carcinogenic to humans." In a 2008 report to Congress, FDA said that UV exposure associated with sunlamp products was excessive.
Is it really about nickels? Or is it about control?
Still a dumb idea.
Depending on the rate, do you wanna bet that “speakeasy” underground tanning salons will start popping up? Can’t you just see the revenooers and vice squads conducting raids on “Tammy’s Tan-arama?”
George: “She’s too tan. It’s the middle of the winter, she’s like a carrot.”
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