Dangers of the Tanning Bed
We are a world of sun lovers, but only a small number of us know about the potential dangers associated with tanning beds. Industry information about tanning beds is often sketchy, making it difficult to differentiate fact from myth. But with a little research about these devices, everyone can become well informed.
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History
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Friedrich Wolff introduced the United States to tanning beds in 1978, and Wolff systems are still forerunners of this technology.
Function
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A tanning bed uses rows of fluorescent tube lamps to produce an aesthetic tan.
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Cancer Dangers
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Tanning beds emit mostly UV "A" radiation, which penetrates deeper than UV "B" radiation and is a known cause of skin cancer.
Eye Dangers
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Use of tanning beds without adequate eye protection can lead to a painful condition known as "arc eye."
Comparison
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20 minutes in a tanning bed equals up to 3 unprotected hours in direct sunlight and may cause severe sunburn.
Considerations
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According to the Melanoma Foundation, using tanning beds just once a month increases risk of melanoma by 75 percent.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Images: Austinist, Tanning Systems, Skin Store, All Refer
