Spray Tan Dangers

 Even the FDA believes spray tans are dangerous — although you most likely have never heard that. If you go to a spray tanning salon, you are likely to be told that the treatment is completely safe and has the full backing of the U.S. government.

In fact, the spray tan solution, DHA, contains lead, mercury and arsenic. In the 1970’s the U.S. government approved DHA for bronzers intended to be rubbed on your skin — but it has not specifically approved its use in spray tan booths. When it is inhaled or sprayed onto the porous mucous membranes of your body, it can enter your bloodstream, leading federal regulators to call the procedure “unsafe”.

DHA has been known to cause coughing, difficulty breathing, fainting, and dizziness. The greatest danger comes if you undergo the procedure without protecting your eyes, nose and mouth.

Some of the adverse reactions from spray tanning received by the FDA from consumers include: 

• Rashes
• Coughing
• Dizziness
• Fainting

As is usually the case, consumers tend to believe that if a product is on the market it must be safe. Unfortunately, that assumption often turns out to be wrong. And such may be the case with spray tanning booths as well.

Part of the problem is that the U.S. government’s regulations for DHA allow several contaminants, and many spray tan solutions contain lead, arsenic and mercury.  

Lead in particular is known to affect brain development, and no one knows how large the effect may be on your baby, should you be pregnant while using spray tanning.  

My advice would be to avoid spray tanning entirely, but especially during pregnancy to avoid unnecessary exposure to these dangerous toxins. 

 

Sources:

  CBS3 May 17, 2006

  Associated Content September 19, 2008