Portable Sun Lamps 

Learn about sun tan lamps and
sun light lamp

Portable sun lamps, also referred to as sun light lamps or sun tan lamps, have been around since the 1930s, with quite a history and some of it is pretty frightening.

When early portable sun lamps are tested not only are alarmingly high levels of UVB photons found, but also alarming levels of UVC. These old sun lamps were in no way comparable to the suns rays. They were far more dangerous than anything the sun could throw out.

It is suspected that many of the cases of sun cancer found in seniors today can be linked to the use of these early portable table lamps.

In the mid 1970’s the US Food and Drug Administration received a minimum of 15,000 complaints each year, relating to sunburns received from these lamps. These complaints resulted in the FDA setting standards to regulate the indoor tanning industry. These regulations could not have come soon enough.

The suns rays do not contain any UVC photons but do contain approx 5% UVB photons. The table top tanning units dating as early as the 1930s rights through to the 1980s have been the cause of an alarming amount of skin damage.

This was because not only did they produce high levels of UVC photons the UVB rates was up to 50% higher than what the sun produced. Almost all the lamps from this era produced alarming test results.

The Sun-Kraft portable sun lamps were even more dangerous producing rates even higher than the FS Series. Yes, this particular lamp was the most popular in the United States and it was on the market from 1930 to 1980. This lamp was rated for a maximum exposure time of 10 minutes, when actually 1 minute should have been the maximum exposure time.

The FS Series of sun lamps produced 1.1% UVC and 65.7% UVB. The Sea & Ski portable lamp produced 9.6% UVC and 20.3% UBV. Under a minute would have given you maximum exposure. The GE lamp was also very popular it also should not have been used for more than 60 seconds. These are just a few of the most popular lamps that were on the market.

Remember skin cancer takes a long time to develop, up to 30 years. So those table top units used from the 1930’s to the 1980’s are still producing cancer victims. It is most likely that many cases of skin cancer in people over the age of 1950 are directly related to these old tanning lamps, although it may be difficult to link scientifically.

Today, sunlamps meet or exceed strict FDA regulations. Although they can still be hazardous as can tanning beds or the sun. The levels of UVB are less than what the sun produces, and many lamps do not produce any UVB at all. Lamps no longer produce UVC.

Using modern portable sun lamps can be safe if you follow the recommended exposure times and take precautions with sunscreen. You should also always wear sun goggles. Keep your health and your beautiful tan!

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