Research out of the Boston University School of Medicine reveals that the tanning industry’s lobbying does not fall on deaf ears. In fact, it was shown to be the No. 1 factor that hinders the passage of anti-tanning laws.
The study’s results, which can be viewed on the Web via the American Academy of Dermatology’s “Journal” publication, reveal the following tactics are most effective in passing anti-tanning measures:
•recruiting expert witnesses such as scientists, physicians and personal-care crusaders
•establishing a talking relationship with the lawmaker proposing the bill
•working with lobbyists
•partnering with established groups (on the national and local level) that are also supporting a bill
•presenting recent research regarding medical claims tied to UV light exposure
Despite these tactics, the professional tanning community is often successful at helping to defeat proposals that would deny them or their customers from their rights as responsible business owners and tanners.
Beyond lobbying, tanning’s best strategies include the lack of credible research that supports an anti-tanning position, as well as the opposition’s inability to recruit adequate organizational support for its position. Tanning advocates have also done a good job working with specific politicians who were able to impact the lawmaking process in their favor.
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Source:
EurekAlert!: Researchers identify strategy for passing tanning bed legislation
