Link: Study: Tanning beds as deadly as arsenic

You didn’t misread—that says A-R-S-E-N-I-C.

LONDON — International cancer experts have moved tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk category, deeming them as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas. For years, scientists have described tanning beds and ultraviolet radiation as “probable carcinogens.”

A new analysis of about 20 studies concludes the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30. Experts also found that all types of ultraviolet radiation caused worrying mutations in mice, proof the radiation is carcinogenic. Previously, only one type of ultraviolet radiation was thought to be lethal.

The new classification means tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation are definite causes of cancer, alongside tobacco, the hepatitis B virus and chimney sweeping, among others.

You see that? Finally, I can make the connection from tanning beds to tobacco, hepatitis B and chimney sweeping in just ONE jump. It’s that simple!

To everyone who ever was or still is obsessed with tanning beds… I don’t feel bad for you. I told everyone I knew to stay away from them, that they were dangerous, that you already look beautiful, that no one cares if you’re skin is nice and tan (ok, maybe I lied).

Either way, the fact that a majority of the world’s advanced country’s has millions of people who have used tanning beds for hours means we seriously need a public health option. Or a mass grave.