Spray tans have become a common way for women to get a quick "faux glow," but a chemical in the tan could be posing numerous risks those who use them. Dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, is a simple carbohydrate that's often derived from plant sources. It was first discovered that DHA could act as a skin-coloring agent in the 1920s and in recent years, it's become the main ingredient of spray tans.
Studies have shown that for 24 hours after it's applied, the user's skin is much more susceptible to free-radical damage from sunlight. Other scientists have noted how DHA is absorbed into the bloodstream, which could promote the development of some cancers.
But what this ABC News video focuses on is the risks that could come from inhalation. The FDA approved DHA for external use 35 years ago, but the agency says there's not enough data to approve inhalation of DHA. They recommend that it not be ingested through the lips, nose or eyes. And as this undercover report shows, most women entering spray tan salons are not given the protection they need to prevent ingesting DHA.