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Unlike sitting or lying in the sun for
long periods of time and being exposed to more UVB rays, a person can go
to a tanning salon and be exposed to UVA rays for a safe period of time
in a controlled environment.
Are tanning beds dangerous? This topic is much debated
in the cosmetic and health care fields. Some claim that the risks of
indoor tanning equal those of outdoor tanning, while others disagree.
For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend
artificial tanning for cosmetic purposes because of potential adverse
effects on health. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light may cause
damage to the immune system, skin, and eyes. Tanning beds may also be
addictive. A study by Dr. Anthony Liguori and other professionals was
published in the July 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Academy
of Dermatology, Part 1, states that the UV radiation emitted by sun beds
stimulate the production of endorphins, producing a "high."
Until recently, tanning beds used bulbs that emitted both UVA and UVB
rays, the two types of rays involved in the sun tanning process. The UVB
spectrum consists of shortwave ultraviolet radiation that hits the
surface of the skin and causes sunburn. UVB rays are associated with the
health risks of skin damage, cancer, and other conditions. Today, UVA
rays make up 95 percent of the light emitted by tanning bed bulbs. Bulbs
emitting UVB rays are used less frequently or not at all. As the harmful
effects of UVB rays became better known, the government made regulations
to ensure the highest degree of safety for users.
Unlike sitting or lying in the sun for long periods of time and being
exposed to more UVB rays, a person can go to a tanning salon and be
exposed to UVA rays for a safe period of time in a controlled
environment. At a professional tanning salon, the staff should be
knowledgeable about the dangers of sun tanning and take into account
previous sessions, exposure, age, medical history and medications, and
skin type. From this, the staff can determine the recommended number of
minutes for each session and the number of sessions needed for the tan
you want. Indoor tanning is a convenient option.
Still, there may be a link between UVA light and malignant melanoma, a
serious skin cancer characterized by moles. Long-term exposure to either
the sun or an artificial source of ultraviolet light can precipitate a
precancerous skin condition. The two types of skin cancer, basal and
squamous cell, may be caused by a combination of UVB and UVA rays.
Melanoma, a form of skin cancer that is often fatal, may be33 triggered
by excessive exposure to UVA rays.
Interestingly, studies on skin cancer cannot prove whether the cancer
was triggered by natural or artificial ultraviolet light. Recently in
California, legislation written by state democrat Joe Nation was passed
prohibiting children under the age of 14 from indoor tanning without a
doctor’s prescription. While Joe Nation developed melanoma, a skin
cancer, he never had even one indoor tanning session. However, as a
youth he played in tennis tournaments and spent many days outdoors in
the sun.
As far as our original question goes, maybe it can only be answered by
stating that either way you get a tan, whether outside in the sun or
inside in a tanning bed, you are exposing yourself to the same risks. If
you want a real tan, as opposed to using a cosmetic tanning solution or
spray, and you want the convenience of a salon, be sure to select a
salon with updated equipment using UVA bulbs and a professional staff to
do thorough assessments and program development.
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