Advantages Of Tanning Beds

The tanning bed hazards and the dangers of artificial tanning are well researched

It seems we always hear about the dark side of tanning. They say the danger of artificial tanning is serious, but what are the advantages of tanning beds and what are the hazards? Sadly, the tanning bed hazards are numerous. For the serious sun worshipper the risks are even higher!

There are almost 20,000 tanning salons across the United States that are visited by more than a million people a day. Most salons promote their devices as emitting UVA rays, which is thought to be safer than UVB rays.

Recent research indicates this is not true. UVA light received in a salon may be two three times more than the UVA light we receive from the sun on Earth. Additionally, there is a strong link between UVA light and malignant melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer.

Many believe the only benefit tanning provides is cosmetic, however other professionals believe they have medicinal values also. They provide vitamin D for the body, and they are used to treat SAD and other types of depression, so they can’t be all bad right?

Most professionals believe that the risks outweigh the benefits. In addition to cancer, prolonged radiation exposure can lead to a dysfunctional immune system, sun and eye burns, cataracts, and photosensitivity reactions to medications. Research indicates that a twenty minute visit to the tanning booth is equivalent to spending a day at the beach.

Despite the risks, tanning booths remain as popular as ever, and it is unfortunate that more physicians don't help educate their patients, and speak out more on this hot bed issue.

People who may be especially at risk for skin cancer include those having a family history of skin cancer, fair skinned or light eyed individuals, people who burn easily, and people who spend a great deal of time outdoors, or have had a lifelong exposure to sun

If you must artificially tan, it is very important that you are sure that the tanning salon follows the federal guidelines. The major guidelines are:

• Sunlamp devices must limit the amount of radiation emitted
• Eye goggles must be provided for ultraviolet protection
• Tanning salons must provide education of its use
• Tanning salons must warn about the risk of ultraviolet light exposure
• Sunlamp devices must include a timer limiting the amount of radiation given
• Sunlamp devices must include a label stating the proper amount of radiation

Melanoma is a deadly cancer that has been associated with UV light, particularly UVA rays. Everyone should have a regular scheduled skin examination, but if you are a sun worshipper it is essential to have this done by your physician at least once a year.

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