Millions of people visit tanning booths but are they safe? Read on to learn about the safety of tanning salons.
The Report on Carcinogens (9th edition) describes indoor tanning as "known to be a human carcinogen." Many hours of exposure at any time of the year can lead to a host of eye and skin problems, such as rashes, irritation, sunburn, retinal damage, and even malignant melanoma, or skin cancer, which can be fatal if not caught and treated early.
Although the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued regulations in conjunction with the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, few people are aware of them, and many seem not to care. Under the Regulations for the Administration and Enforcement of the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968, earlier guidelines were issued, including the advisability of limiting exposure to artificial tanning light, the need to wear protective eyewear, and clear labeling of all tanning equipment and products. But as experts point out, there is no well-developed plan for monitoring, citing, or correcting tanning businesses that do not comply with these advisories.
Consequently, the rise of melanoma is most prominent among people in their 20's and 30's, a population that experienced few cases of the disease in previous decades. Many feel that increased usage of tanning booths may be a contributing factor. Since 1894 doctors have recognized the connection between sun bathing and skin cancer, yet the general population may not understand the significant dangers posed in artificial or "real" suntans.
In 1994 the American Medical Association called for a ban on tanning equipment that was not associated with medical use. Dermatologists likewise urge the Food and Drug Administration to discourage the pursuit of a suntan at tanning booths or by courting direct sunlight.
If despite these concerns you or a loved one continues to visit the sun spa to add color to your skin through inducing the production of melanin by UV light, here are some things to keep in mind:
-a tanning bed temperature should not exceed thirty degrees centigrade
-wear protective goggles for your eyes, which should be provided by tanning booth staff, or you can buy your own
-ask for the accompanying plastic shield that protects users from the heat bulbs in case they should break or cause thermal burns on contact with your skin
-don't exceed the recommended time limit per visit
-realize that not all skin types can or will tan, and some tan darker than others
Use common sense when attempting to darken your skin tone via a tanning booth. Don't overdo it, and visibly inspect your skin everywhere on your body for unusual spots or moles. If you find any, have a dermatologist check them promptly to determine if you have melanoma.
