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Tanning Bed Risk
Are Tanning Beds Worth the Risk?
If you think that you are protecting your skin by going
to a tanning salon, think again! UVB rays emitted by
tanning booths are two to three times more powerful than
natural ultraviolet light. The tan that you receive from
a tanning bed is just as damaging as an outdoor sunburn.
Understanding the natural cycle of sun damage can help
to better assess tanning bed risk. Sunburn (and in fact
any kind of tan) is the first visible sign of
overexposure to solar radiation. Sun damage can
eventually escalate into more serious long term health
problems including cataracts, a suppressed immune system
and skin cancer.
In reality, there is no such thing as a safe tanning bed
despite claims to the contrary. Using tanning beds
regularly can increase the risk of melanoma 50% or more.
One common misconception is that using tanning beds can
provide a “base tan”, which supposedly serves to protect
against further sun damage. However, artificial tanning
only compounds radiation exposure. Tanning beds, if
misused, can also cause skin infection, rash and severe
burns.
Another common misconception is that a tanning session
can be substituted for natural light for vitamin D
production. In actuality, many salons calibrate their
beds to emit more UVA than UVB light, because UVA rays
penetrate more deeply into the skin. In contrast, UVB
rays cause more surface damage which results in a
quicker burn.
UVA light results in the golden glow which is the goal
that most tanning salon patrons are searching for.
However, it is UVB light which helps the body to
metabolize vitamin D. Therefore, a tanning session
should not be substituted for the daily required 20
minutes of sunshine.
By far, skin cancer is the most serious tanning bed
risk. Melanoma is the most virulent form of skin cancer
and is directly linked to long term contact with UVB
light. People with fair skinned complexions are at even
greater risk for developing this condition and should
limit overall exposure to ultraviolet radiation. You
should also avoid tanning salons if you have a family
history of skin cancer.
Tanning beds can also cause serious cosmetic damage to
your skin. Going to the tanning salon can have serious
long term consequences including freckling, wrinkles and
other signs of premature aging.
If you must tan, be sure to choose a salon with
knowledgeable staff on premise. Make sure that bulbs are
adjusted in accordance with your skin type and be sure
to wear protective eye gear, which should be disinfected
after each use (Sun lamps can seriously injure your
cornea.)
All tanning equipment must comply with Federal Radiation
Emitting Device Regulations, which should be clearly
posted on the tanning bed. In addition, tanning bulbs
should be replaced regularly, and regulations regarding
maximum UVA/UVB exposure should always be readily
accessible to patrons.
Before beginning a tanning session, be sure to review
tanning bed risks and safety rules with qualified staff.
Although tanning beds have serious health implications,
being aware of the consequences can help you to avoid
some of the more serious mishaps associated with self
tanning.
About the Author
Andrea Pellettiere has been has been a freelance
writer for a number of years. She is a regular a
contributor to http://tanning-beds-n-tanning-lotions.com.
More Tanning Bed Safety Articles
Are Tanning Beds Worth the Risk?
The Debate on Tanning Bed Safety
Should You Use a Tanning Bed While Pregnant?
Preventing Sun Poisoning From Tanning Beds
Health Risks from Indoor Tanning
Should You Use a Tanning Bed Accelerator Lotion?
Do Tanning Beds Really Cause Cancer?
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