Tanning and UV Radiation
Posted: Thursday, November 12, 2009
by Amanda Stone
Renaud Professional
How safe are tanning beds anyway? According to a recent report from the World Health Organization - tanning beds are not very safe at all. In this report, sunlamps and tanning booths have been reclassified from "probably" carcinogenic to "carcinogenic to humans" due to their ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This puts ultraviolet radiation in the category along side cancer-causing products such as arsenic, tobacco, and asbestos!
Tanning beds emit mostly UVA radiation and a small portion of UVB rays. These UVA rays are more dangerous because they penetrate the skin more than UVB rays, causing damage on a deeper level. UVB rays do not penetrate far below the skin. UVA light is associated with increased skin aging and wrinkle production. Most skin damage is caused by UVA radiation destruction of collagen and connective tissue beneath the superficial layer of skin.
Excessive exposure to UVA radiation has many risks, including wrinkles, sunspots, premature aging, loss of skin elasticity, and skin cancer. Scientific evidence reports that sun exposure is the major cause of three main types of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, can spread to other organs if not treated.
Use of tanning beds without adequate eye protection can be harmful to the eyes and cause a painful condition called arc eye. Arc eye is caused from excessive sun exposure, or from light reflected off snow, sand or water. The intense UV light absorbed by the eye can cause superficial and painful keratitis. These symptoms usually occur several hours after exposure and resolve within a few days. Excessive UV radiation can result in a corneal burn that will not heal on its own.
Sunless tanning is a much safer alternative to tanning under the sun or tanning booths. This airbrush or spray tanning contains a chemical that temporarily darkens the skin, making it appear tan. Dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, is the chemical used in spray tanning solutions. DHA is safe and approved for external application to the body for the purpose of coloring the skin. Sunless tanning lotions containing DHA are also available.
Experts found that all types of ultraviolet radiation caused genetic mutations in study animals, which proves that UV radiation is carcinogenic. Due to the many adverse effects of overexposure of UV radiation on human health, the World Health Organization does not recommend UV tanning devices for cosmetic reasons. We may love beautiful, bronzed skin, but we also need to be aware of the potential dangers associated with UV radiation and consider healthier alternatives.
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