Spray tanning is widely favored by those looking to get some summer color without risking their health. The strategy seems sound, as many people try to limit their sun exposure to prevent getting skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that around two million people are diagnosed annually. Unfortunately, a new study reported by ABC News indicates that spray tan health risks may be worse than previously believed.

According to the report, virtually all spray tanning agents include dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, a chemical known to create genetic mutations in cells in laboratory studies. Although studies have yet to be conducted using human subjects, researchers warn that humans could be affected by these genetic mutations as well. Whether these genetic mutations would pose a health risk is another question that remains unanswered at this time.

More Research is Needed to Determine Spray Tan Health Risks

At this point, researchers are concerned by the new findings related to DHA and believe that the findings are cause for additional studies. Dr. Ray Panettieri, University of Pennsylvania lung specialist and toxicologist, had the following to say:

“These compounds, in some cells, could actually promote the development of cancers or malignancies. And if that’s the case then we need to be wary of them.”

DHA has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for external use. Specifically, the FDA warns against using DHA internally, applying it to the lips, or applying to the areas around the eyes.

However, the FDA only approved DHA for use in tanning lotions, but not in spray products used in tanning booths. According to the ABC News report, any tanning booth advertising “all-over” spray tanning services are not doing so with FDA approval.

Potential Dangers of Spray Tanning Products

One of the main concerns for researchers is that DHA could potentially cause lung cancer if it’s inhaled. Other evidence suggests that trace amounts of DHA could penetrate through the skin and into the body after being sprayed. The previous assumption was that spray tanning products only sat on top of the skin, exclusively affecting dead skin cells.

ABC News also reports that spray tanning salon workers are rarely informed of the potential dangers of DHA, and neither are the customers. Spokespeople from the tanning industry have said that they’ll do more to inform both their customers and their workers of these potential dangers, and of recommendations made by the FDA.

The FDA recommends that individuals protect their mouthes, noses and eyes when using spray tanning products.

Spray Tan Health Risks: The Bottom Line

A new report by ABC News indicates that DHA, a chemical found in spray tanning products, may be more harmful than previously thought. Studies involving these chemicals have not been performed on humans.