Lawsuit filed against 2 tanning salon chains … and more suits are on the way

Lawsuit filed against 2 tanning salon chains … and more suits are on the way

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman argues that they are deliberately downplaying the negative health consequences of indoor tanning.

Two tanning salon chains have been sued by New York’s attorney general, who claims that they are advertising beautiful, bronze skin while largely ignoring the health risks associated with tanning.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said the two franchises — Total Tan and Portofino Spas — falsely advertise their health benefits and suggest that it is a safe alternative to tanning in the sun, according to an Associated Press report.

Schneiderman said that indoor tanning is dangerous and accuses the companies to falsely peddling a message that is harmful to consumers.

Those two tanning salons won’t be the only ones targeted: Schneiderman expects to fil suite against Planet Fitness and Beach Bum Tanning. Planet Fitness has said that it is working toward a resolution, according to the report, and Total Tan has denied the allegations, while the other two haven’t responded to requests for comment.

Portofino Spas has five locations in Manhattan and Total Tan has 26 salons in the state.

Schneiderman said in a statement that the use of “ultra-violet devices increases exposure to cancer-causing radiation and puts millions of Americans in serious danger — young adults, in particular,” according to a New York Daily News report.

The salons have been advocating that indoor tanning is a good source of Vitamin D, and as a way to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Total Tan slammed the allegations, announcing that it would not “be intimidated by Mr. Schneiderman, who is trying to impose his own view of the world on our industry and the citizens of upstate New York,” according to the report.

Be social, please share!

Facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail