Guest guest Posted April 24, 2007 Report Share Posted April 24, 2007 Do Tanning Beds cause Skin Cancer? Apr 24, 2007 06:34 PDT Study of the UV radiation emitted by tanning beds: A Dermatology Department in the United Kingdom conducted a study examining DNA damage in human fibroblasts, cells that give rise to connective tissue, after they were exposed to artificial tanning lamps. During this experiment, a comet assay was performed in which cells UV-detecting cells were embedded into two different types of tanning beds to detect the amount of radiation emitted. The types of tanning equipment studied were 12 lamps of Philips TL80 W/10R (the Performance tanning bed) and five Philips TL80 W/10R lamps. The cells were placed in the tanning beds at a distance of about 35 centimeters from the lamps. In the Performance tanning bed, the UVA radiation was measured at 85-100W/m2, and the UVB radiation was found to be 16-19W/m2. For the TL80W/10R bed, the UVA and UVB radiation quantities were discovered to be 35-40W/m2 and 0.3-0.4W/m2 respectively. The radiation emitted by the sun was also measured using the same radiometers on a sunny day with the temperatures at about 25-24o C. The UVA radiation was 10-28W/m2, and the UVB radiation was measured at 4 – 9.5W/m2. Thus, the amount of UVA radiation, which penetrates deeper into the skin, was anywhere from about 3-8 times greater in the tanning beds than in the light from the sun. This amount depended on the type of tanning bed, but inevitably caused an increased in potential skin damage (Woollons, Clingen, Price, Arlett, & Green, 1997). The harmful results caused by UVB radiation from tanning lamps were determined to include three types of damage to DNA. Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) were induced, oxidized and hydrated pyrimidines were distorted, and breaks were found in the single- strands. The Performance sunbed was just as effective as sunlight for inducing CPDs. It was also discovered that the induction of these kinds of DNA damage occurred just before the development of skin tumors (Woollons, Clingen, Price, Arlett, & Green, 1997). The scientists who conducted the study agreed that although the amount of evidence regarding the harmful effects of tanning lamps has been limited, it has recently been increasing. They concluded that it is highly likely that the lamps cause DNA damage that is directly related to the development of skin cancers, cutaneous effects, and damage to the immune system. They believe that the public should be warned about the dangers of using tanning beds. --- - Dangers of Tanning Beds By Ken Marlborough Dartmouth researchers report that people who used a tanning device were 2.5-times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma, and 1.5- times more susceptible to squamous cell carcinoma. The tanning-bed users had risks higher than those who had previous sun exposure, but had not been under artificial lamps. Tanning beds release very high and dangerous levels of ultraviolet radiation. Tanning beds suppress our immune system, cause cosmetic and drug-induced photosensitivity, and create a higher risk of developing skin cancer.Ultraviolet radiation is harmful to the DNA in your body. Skin cancer caused largely due to exposure to UV radiation is the biggest danger of tanning beds. Scientists agree that UVA rays are linked to malignant melanoma, damage to the immune system, weakening of the skin's inner tissue, and other types of skin cancers (http://carrollton.greene.K12.il.us/websun/PrSnLmp.htm). Along with melanoma, the use of tanning devices contribute to the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The three types of skin cancer related to exposure to ultra violet rays are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. ..What is skin cancer? - simply put, it is a disease of our body's cells. Cells are responsible for helping our body tissue to grow and regenerate. Exposure to UV light causes cell mutations, the production of " activated oxygen molecules " which can damage cells and finally pilot the way to " localized immunosuppression " which disrupts the body's anti-cancer defenses. The most prevalent type of skin cancer is Basal Cell Carcinoma (about 75%), which is slow-growing and does not often spread to other parts of the body. Next is Squamous Cell Carcinoma (about 20%). This type grows more quickly and the possibility of spreading is more acute. Increased use of tanning beds plays a role in growing rate of skin cancer. Just say No! As winter temperatures dip below zero in many locales and travel opportunities diminish due to a faltering economy and terrorism fears, tanning salons can seem both affordable and alluring. And zealous and intrepid salons certainly try to tempt us with hard-to-resist packages such as unlimited tanning for a low monthly fee and uber-cool tanning beds with names like " The silver bullet " that promise to bronze your whole body in 15 minutes. Some tanning-bed advocates have switched gears and now promote the health benefits of tanning due to increased vitamin D exposure. They contend that it helps prevent osteoporosis and some forms of cancer. (Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because it comes from the sun.) But save your money and your health, says a new study. Such tanning beds may give you more than a fast all-over tan, they can also up your risk of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. The new study appears in the Jan. 19 issue of the journal Pigment Cell Research. One of the biggest risk factors for melanoma is chronic exposure to ultraviolet rays, primarily through tanning under the sun or in a tanning bed. The tanning properties of sun beds come from their ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, both of which are found in the sun´s rays. So it makes perfect sense that tanning beds, like the sun, would up skin cancer risk. Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer because it spreads easily to other organs and bones through the blood or the lymph system. Study researcher Professor Antony Young of King's College London concludes that the continuing and widespread use of sun beds is likely to result in increased numbers of people with malignant melanoma. Perhaps dovetailing with the increased use of tanning beds, melanoma is becoming increasingly and alarmingly more common, moving from the No. 6 slot in 1997, to a projected No. 1 by the year 2022. Where's the disconnect Despite mounting evidence about the health risks of tanning beds, another new study shows that more than one-third of teenage girls have gone tanning at least once, say researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals in Cleveland. According to the study, 37% of girls have used an indoor tanning facility at least once and almost 30% of girls have used a tanning booth three or more times. On an average day in the United States, more than 1 million people visit tanning salons, according to information from the Schaumburg, Ill.-based American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). More than melanoma Along with melanoma, the use of tanning devices also contribute to the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Dartmouth researchers report that people who used a tanning device were 2.5-times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma, and 1.5- times more susceptible to squamous cell carcinoma. The tanning-bed users had risks higher than those who had previous sun exposure, but had not been under artificial lamps. The researchers also found that, among artificial tanners, those who started at an early age are even more likely to develop skin cancer. It's more than just cancer. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta reports an estimated 700 emergency department visits per year related to tanning salon exposure. The AAD recommends monthly self-exams to look for irregular lesions that are growing and changing. Know your ABCD's, the group states. Look for moles with: Asymmetry or moles where one half is different than another. Border Irregularity meaning that the edge of melanomas are usually ragged and jagged. Color as melanomas often has a variety of colors within the same mole. And Diameter as melanomas continue to grow. And keep a close watch. Researchers from the Memorial Sloan- Kettering Cancer Center in New York City found that using detailed photographs of the skin and moles can help keep a close watch on suspicious moles. (Remember your ABC's, a change in a mole can be a warnings sign of melanoma.) Denise Mann http://www.dermadoctor.com -- Do Tanning Beds Cause Skin Cancer? Elizabeth Carruth Before one can discuss harmful effects of tanning equipment and increased sun exposure, one must be familiar with the components of ultraviolet light and how affects the skin. Sunlight contains two types of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA and UVB. UVA rays consist of longer wavelengths that penetrate deep into the dermal layer of skin. Limited exposure to UVA rays causes skin to tan; however, most experts agree that exposure to UVA can lead to other long-term skin damage. UVB rays' wavelengths are much shorter, affecting the outermost layers of skin. Tanning beds and sun lamps generally emit 93% to 99% UVA radiation This is three times the UVA radiation given off by the sun (http://www.wraltv.com/features/healthteam/1998/0520-sunscreen/). http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/DarkerSideTanning.ht m -------------------------------- What are the harmful effects of tanning beds? Nearly every single article that was researched concluded that indoor tanning is directly linked to skin cancer, specifically malignant melanoma, and other numerous health problems. Although tanning industries claim that UVA radiation is safe, medical research disproves this theory. Researchers say that because UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, they destroy skin fibers and damage elasticity. Long-term effects of UVA rays include premature aging (http://pharmacy- web.com/WHP/InfoService/MedTribune/Abstract/M950728e.html). Scientists agree that UVA rays are linked to malignant melanoma, damage to the immune system, weakening of the skin's inner tissue, and other types of skin cancers (http://carrollton.greene.K12.il.us/websun/PrSnLmp.htm). In fact, studies show that large doses of UVA lead to an increased risk of developing skin cancer (http://beacon-www.asa.utk.edu/issuew/v71/n38/tan.38n.html). From his research, Dr. David Sidransky concluded that UVA radiation causes the same damage as UVB radiation to skin cells which leading to cancer. In cases where exposure to light was increased, it was more likely that the damage would exceed the constructive, cellular- repair mechanisms, and a tumor would be more likely to develop (http://pharmacy- web.com/WHP/InfoService/MedTribune/Abstract/M950728e.html). A study conducted in Sweden helps to prove that tanning beds are a major factor in the development of malignant melanoma. Different people, all under the age of 30, were included in the study. The data concluded that the people who used tanning beds more than 10 times a year were seven times more likely to develop malignant melanoma than those who did not use tanning beds. Researchers estimated that by the year 2000, the risk of developing skin cancer for those who did not use tanning beds would be one out of every 97 persons, and that the chances for those who did use tanning beds would be one out of every 13 persons (http://winonanet.com/health/articles/1996/feb/tan.html). The study also concluded that melanoma risks are increased by 300% for those using tanning beds occasionally, and that the risks increase by 800% for those who use tanning beds more than 10 times a year (http://www.hlthmall.com/tanning.html). Dr. Douglas Reintgen believed that as long as tanning devices were not used in excess and the customer avoided burns, then the equipment could be considered safe (http://pharmacy- web.com/WHP/InfoService/MedTribune/Abstract/M951728e.html). Service/MedTribune/Abstract/M951728e.html). However, it has been proven that tanning beds do cause sunburns, and are, therefore, dangerous (http://nytsyn.com/live/discuss/cancer/0029.html). Physicians of the Geisinger Health System report that one sunburn doubles the risk of developing skin cancer (http://www.geisner.edu/ghs/pubtips/T/TanningWithouttheSun.htm). Tanning is skin damage. Although skin cancer has been associated with UVB radiation and sunburns, scientists say that even tanning in moderation produces the same harmful effects, as would a burn. Tanning causes premature aging, causing the skin to appear leathery and wrinkled, and also damages the immune system (http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/tanning/html). Other sources reveal that tanning always damages the skin. Plastic surgeon Dr. Dean Johnson who treats skin cancer patients in 25% of his surgeries, declares, " There is no safe tan " (http://www.icflorida.com/healthfitness/prevention/sun.html). A number of various authorities warn the public of the dangers of tanning devices. Dermatologists believe that tanning beds are a leading factor in skin cancer cases (http://www.ivanhoe.com/docs/backissues/tanningbedcancer.html). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists tanning beds as possible health hazards (http://beacon-eee.asa.utk.edu/issues/v71/n38/tan.38n.html), and the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) encourage people to avoid using tanning and sun lamps (http://www.fda.gov). Even the American Medical Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) are fighting to ban the use of tanning equipment for non-medical purposes (http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/tanning.html). Both types of UV radiation can cause damage to blood vessels, photosensitivity (allergic) reactions, or even eye damage (http://winonanet.com/health/articles/1996/feb/tan.html). According to the CDC, tanning beds create problems in the eyes such as conjunctivitis and corneal infections. Ultraviolet rays can cause serious damage to the cornea and retina (http://www.Isu-eye.Isumc.edu/tanning.html). What are people's motives for tanning? Why do people desire a tan? In general, most people are concerned about their appearance. It can be assumed that people desire to be considered beautiful by others and to have more pleasant features. The stereotypical good-looking person is usually a thin female or muscularly built male with nice, clean hair and bronze or tan skin. In recent years there has been a tremendous amount of pressure placed upon females, especially teenagers, to become what the media considers to be a beautiful person. All this explains why more white female teens are using tanning equipment with disregard to medical warnings. Why won't people listen? Because of exposure to sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps, the number of skin cancer cases has increased dramatically. It has been predicted that this year, more than one million new skin cancer cases will be diagnosed. Also, malignant melanoma can be fatal if it is not detected early. This year in the United States, 38,000 cases and 7,300 deaths are being anticipated (http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/tanning.html). So, why are people not complying with the warnings? Why are people not changing poor skin care treatment? Perhaps the public is not fully aware of the harmful effects of UV radiation. Rex Amonett, M.D., Dermatologist, stated that most of his skin cancer patients are over 50. He also reported that lately more teenagers have become victims, and that this was probably due to the fact that now more than 2.5 million people are using tanning bed equipment daily (mostly teens) (http://www.ivanhoe.com/docs/backissues/tanningbedcancer.html). So, what is a person's motivation for tanning? Which group is right? Although benefits do exist from choosing to us tanning beds over bathing outdoors in the sun, tanning bed industries have failed to mention many important and harmful risk factors of tanning equipment. The long- term effects of UVA radiation far exceed the short-term, ephemeral benefits, and trust should be placed into the hands of scientists, researchers, and doctors. What scientific research has been discovered on the effects of artificial tanning equipment? Studies regulated by medical researchers consistently report a number of interesting facts about the relationships between artificial tanning equipment and skin cancers. Studies prove that exposure to UV radiation is a risk factor for cutaneous malignant melanoma.1, 2 One study reviewed that approximately 80% of the radiation emitted by tanning lamps is in the UV range, proving tanning beds to be carcinogenic,3 and another study of Caucasian women with melanoma reported that women who had a history of sunburns had an increased melanoma risk, even if they also tanned.4 The reports also concluded that combined exposure to sunlight and tanning beds resulted in increased risks for developing melanoma. Study of the UV radiation emitted by tanning beds: A Dermatology Department in the United Kingdom conducted a study examining DNA damage in human fibroblasts, cells that give rise to connective tissue, after they were exposed to artificial tanning lamps. During this experiment, a comet assay was performed in which cells UV-detecting cells were embedded into two different types of tanning beds to detect the amount of radiation emitted. The types of tanning equipment studied were 12 lamps of Philips TL80 W/10R (the Performance tanning bed) and five Philips TL80 W/10R lamps. The cells were placed in the tanning beds at a distance of about 35 centimeters from the lamps. In the Performance tanning bed, the UVA radiation was measured at 85-100W/m2, and the UVB radiation was found to be 16-19W/m2. For the TL80W/10R bed, the UVA and UVB radiation quantities were discovered to be 35-40W/m2 and 0.3-0.4W/m2 respectively. The radiation emitted by the sun was also measured using the same radiometers on a sunny day with the temperatures at about 25-24o C. The UVA radiation was 10-28W/m2, and the UVB radiation was measured at 4 – 9.5W/m2. Thus, the amount of UVA radiation, which penetrates deeper into the skin, was anywhere from about 3-8 times greater in the tanning beds than in the light from the sun. This amount depended on the type of tanning bed, but inevitably caused an increased in potential skin damage (Woollons, Clingen, Price, Arlett, & Green, 1997). The harmful results caused by UVB radiation from tanning lamps were determined to include three types of damage to DNA. Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) were induced, oxidized and hydrated pyrimidines were distorted, and breaks were found in the single-strands. The Performance sunbed was just as effective as sunlight for inducing CPDs. It was also discovered that the induction of these kinds of DNA damage occurred just before the development of skin tumors (Woollons, Clingen, Price, Arlett, & Green, 1997). The scientists who conducted the study agreed that although the amount of evidence regarding the harmful effects of tanning lamps has been limited, it has recently been increasing. They concluded that it is highly likely that the lamps cause DNA damage that is directly related to the development of skin cancers, cutaneous effects, and damage to the immune system. They believe that the public should be warned about the dangers of using tanning beds. Previously, UV radiation has been used to prevent vitamin D deficiency, attempting to result in a suntan rather than a burn. A study was conducted by doctors from a Department of Biochemical Medicine and Dermatology in which 38 members of a hospital staff were exposed to radiation for two sessions of 15 minutes everyday for two weeks. The time of exposure was increased to 25 minutes for each session after four days. The amount of radiation in the skin of five more volunteers was also determined to provide a control group. Ten members of the experimental group could not complete the sessions because severe adverse skin reactions or other health related problems evolved. Of the 28 subjects who completed the course, 20 developed sunburns in which 11 cases involved itching. When studying the maintaining of vitamin D, the experimental group consisted of 39 people, ages 20-46, and a control group of five volunteers, ages 28-44, was also formed. The results of the study revealed that a substantial increase in the serum levels of vitamin D occurred in the experimental group, even when only small amounts of radiation were emitted (Devgun 1981).6 Another study was completed, examining the effects of UV radiation from artificial sources on the cornea and studying the production of proimflammatory cytokines. Normal human corneas and stroma cells were obtained from eye banks, and keratocytes were grown culture dishes. The corneas were placed in the dishes. Some were left alone as a control, and the remaining ones were exposed to UV radiation for three hours. The corneal stroma cells were cultured and analyzed to verify that they were not contaminated. The experiment proved that there was a 30-fold increase in radiation of the stroma cells compared to the cells that were not exposed to the radiation. This proved that UV-mediated corneal inflammation can be found in people who are exposed regularly to UV radiation (Kennedy, 1997).7 Researches report why people do not adhere to warnings. A study was conducted in the metropolitan area of Stockholm County, Sweden. Over 1500 students, 14 -19 years of age, from 46 schools, and in 3500 different classes were surveyed. The questionnaire included 26 questions concerning age, sex, skin type, tanning bed and sunscreen use, sunbathing habits, reaction to tanning bed use, and skin disease. The study was designed to examine skin types vs. sunbed and use of protection, sunburns caused by tanning beds, and tanning beds vs. skin disease. The results revealed that most of the adolescents surveyed reported that they had brown hair and type III skin, meaning that they possessed brown skin colors. The students could have quite possible felt that they were not in a high-risk category for developing skin cancer, and, therefore, did not consider tanning beds to be harmful. Forty- four of the participants reported that they had received erythema, or sunburn, from a visit to the tanning bed. Finally, the questionnaire proved that 23% of the students who use sunbeds reported having skin diseases such as eczema (an inflammation of the skin and the outbreak of lesions), psoriasis (inflammation of skin and white, scaly patches), or acne/seborrhea. However, only 16% of the students who did not use sunbeds reported having the same skin diseases. One myth of society includes that sunlight and possibly light emitted by tanning beds helps to clear acne; however, tanning bed use was reported in 63% of the students with acne. Ultimately, the surveyors concluded that the risk factors for the development of skin cancers are environmental, behavioral, and genetic (Boldeman, Beitner, Jansson, Nilsson, & Ullen).8 A study of New Zealand residents was also performed relating sun behaviors to the risks of acquiring melanoma. A group of 909 21-year olds answered questionnaires concerning how often they used sunscreen, how often they were sunburned, and what methods would be required to convince them to protect their skin. The consensus of surveys concluded that obtaining a good base tan would decrease their chances of developing melanoma. The reports revealed that the public is unaware of the harmful and potentially deadly effects of UV radiation and skin damage, particularly when dealing with tanning beds.9 Medical researchers agree that artificial tanning equipment emits predominantly UVA and some UVB radiation, UV rays cause sunburns, and sunburns increase the chances that one will develop skin cancers, including malignant melanoma. Therefore, the conclusion can be made that tanning beds can cause skin cancer. Scientists also agree that the best method of modification of potentially harmful sun behaviors is to educate people of the risks of acquiring melanoma and to eradicate the perceptions of risks. http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/Tanning.ht ml Bibliography Miller, S.A., Hamilton, S.L., Wester, U.G., & Cyr, W.H. (1998). An analysis of UVA emissions from sunlamps and the potential importance for melanoma. Photochemistry and Photobiology; 68(1): 63-70. (abstract). Swerdlow, A.J. & Weinstock, M.A. (1998). Do tanning lamps cause melanoma?. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; 38(1): 89-98. (abstract). DeMarini, D.M., Shelton, M.L., & Stankowski, L.F. (1995). Mutation spectra in Salmonella of sunlight, white fluorescent light, and light from tanning salon beds: induction of tandem mutations and role of DNA rapair. Mutation Research. 327(1- 2): 131-149. (abstract). Cress, R.D., Holly, E.A., & Ahn, D.K. (1995). Cutaneous melanoma in women. V. Characteristics of those who tan and those who burn when exposed to summer sun. Epidemiology; 6(5): 538-543. (abstract). Woollons, A., Clingen, P.H., Price, M.L., Arlett, C.F., Green, M.H.L. (1997). Induction of mutagenic DNA damage in human fibroblasts after exposure to artificial tanning lamps. British Journal of Dermatology 1997; 137: 687-692. Devgun, M.S., Johnson, B.E., & Paterson, C.R. (1981). Tanning, protection against sunburn and vitamin D formation with a UV-A `sun-bed.' British Journal of Dermatology 1982; 107: 275-284. Kennedy, M., Kim, K., Harten, B., Brown, J., Planck, S., Meshul, C.,Edelhauser, H., Rosenbaum, J.T., Armstrong, C.A., & Ansel, J.C. (1997). Ultraviolet Irradiation Induces the Production of Multiple Cytokines by Human Corneal Cells. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. Sept, 1997, Vol. 3, No. 10. Bolseman, C., Beitner, H., Jansson, B., Nilsson, B., & Ullen, H. (1996). Sunbed use in relation to phenotype, erythema, sunscreen use and skin diseases. A questionnaire survey among Swedish adolescents. British Journal of Dermatology 1996; 135: 712-716. Douglass, H.M., McGee, R., & Williams, S. (1997). Sun behavior and perceptions of risk for melanoma among 21-year old New Zealanders. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 21(3): 329-334. (abstract).The Case Against Indoor Tanning Indoor tanning is big business, with tanning trade publications reporting this as a $2 billion-a-year industry in the United States. According to industry estimates, 28 million Americans are tanning indoors annually at about 25,000 tanning salons around the country. In fact, a recent study of more than 10,000 teens across the US found that tanning bed use was increasing, especially among adolescent girls. This does not bode well for the health of the nation. In 1994, a Swedish study found that women 18-30 years old who visited tanning parlors 10 times or more a year had seven times greater incidence of melanoma than women who did not use tanning salons. In another study, people exposed to 10 full-body tanning salon sessions had a significant increase in skin repair proteins typically associated with sun damage, indicating that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from indoor tanning is as dangerous as UV from the sun. And in 2002, a study from Dartmouth Medical School found that tanning device users had 2.5 times the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times the risk of basal cell carcinoma . And yet, even with all this evidence, the tanning salons remain unrepentant. The tanning industry relies on two misleading arguments: first, that since melanoma is mainly caused by sunburn, " controlled " tanning helps prevent melanoma by building up the protective pigment melanin; second, that UV exposure makes the skin produce vitamin D, which helps prevent breast, prostate and colon cancer, as well as other diseases. Medical experts refute these arguments. They point out that our diet (especially vitamin D-rich foods such as dairy products and salmon) generally provides all the vitamin D we need. Furthermore, tanning to increase melanin is counterproductive. Tanning, like burning, causes genetic damage to skin cells. " You can't protect the skin by damaging it, " said James M. Spencer, MD, director of dermatologic surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. " Tanning not only increases the risk for melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, but accelerates skin aging. " There have been several attempts made to regulate the industry, by physician groups as well as state and national congresspeople and the World Health Organization, with limited success. The FDA is weighing stricter controls over tanning devices, but has not yet instituted any changes. The tanning industry has fought all of these measures. " Tanning manufacturers and salon owners keep lobbying the FDA and state agencies to soften regulations, claiming that tanning is healthful, " said Dr. Spenser. Unfortunately, even when regulation has occurred, it hasn't solved the problems. " Regulation can't make tanning safe, " declared Michael Franzblau, MD, clinical professor of dermatology, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco. " Banning salons is the only answer. " He should know, because he was instrumental in the passage of legislation regulating tanning facilities in California. The law, passed in 1988, unfortunately had no mechanism for registration of tanning parlors or collection of fees from owners. " Hence, there is no enforcement, " notes Dr. Franzblau. Some states require salons to provide UV-protective eyewear or have machine operators remain present throughout a client's session. Others require a sign on the booth warning people who always sunburn that tanning puts them at high risk for skin damage. Whatever the regulations, says Dr. Franzblau, there's no assurance they will be complied with. " I've taken teams of scientists into salons where not one requirement was being followed. " Other studies have shown that tanning salons frequently exceed " safe " UV limits. The average salon patron in North Carolina was recently found to exceed FDA limits by 95 percent. Is banning salons outright the only answer? Dr. Franzblau believes that eliminating tanning salons " would be 100 percent more effective " than regulating them. And it could save millions of lives. The Darker Side of Tanning Public health experts and medical professionals are continuing to warn people about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps. Two types of ultraviolet radiation are Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). UVB has long been associated with sunburn while UVA has been recognized as a deeper penetrating radiation. Although it's been known for some time that too much UV radiation can be harmful, new information may now make these warnings even more important. Some scientists have suggested recently that there may be an association between UVA radiation and malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. What are the dangers of tanning? UV radiation from the sun, tanning beds, or from sun lamps may cause skin cancer. While skin cancer has been associated with sunburn, moderate tanning may also produce the same effect. UV radiation can also have a damaging effect on the immune system and cause premature aging of the skin, giving it a wrinkled, leathery appearance. People sometimes associate a suntan with good health and vitality. In fact, just a small amount of sunlight is needed for the body to manufacture vitamin D. It doesn't take much sunlight to make all the vitamin D you can use certainly far less than it takes to get a suntan! The number of skin cancer cases has been rising over the years, and experts say that this is due to increasing exposure to UV radiation from the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps. More than 1 million new skin cancer cases are likely to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. But aren't the types of skin cancer caused by the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps easily curable? Not necessarily. Malignant melanoma, now with a suspected link to UVA exposure, is often fatal, if not detected early. The number of cases of melanoma is rising in the U.S., with an estimated 38,300 cases and 7,300 deaths anticipated this year. Why doesn't the skin of young people show these harmful effects? Skin aging and cancer are delayed effects that don't usually show up for many years after the exposure. Unfortunately, since the damage is not immediately visible, young people are often unaware of the dangers of tanning. Physicians and scientists are especially concerned that casesof skin cancer will continue to increase as people who are now intheirteens and twenties reach middle age. But why is it that some people can tan for many years and still not showdamage?People who choose to tan are greatly increasing their risk ofdeveloping skin cancer. This is especially true if tanning occurs over a period of years, because damage to the skin accumulates. JoAnn Guest mrsjo- www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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