How Do Tanning Machines Work?
Tanning machines mimic the effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays on human skin. They use specially designed fluorescent lamps that emit UV rays in a spectrum similar to the sun's. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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Tanning machines generally take the form of two designs--the horizontal tanning bed or the vertical tanning booth. Both rely upon the same technology. However, the vertical booths tend to be much stronger than the horizontal beds. The booths also produce an all-over tan while eliminating the pressure points that may occur on your back and buttocks inside a tanning bed.
Function
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The simplest way to describe a tanning machine is that it is lined with light fixtures that emit ultraviolet radiation that will cause the human skin to tan. Tanning beds and booths use several fluorescent lamps with phosphor blends that emit UV rays. Smaller home tanning machines generally have 12 to 28 100-watt bulbs, while those found in tanning salons can have between 24 and 60 100- to 200-watt lamps. There also are more advanced tanning machines that generate both UVA and UVB rays using highly specialized quartz lamps, filters and reflectors. These machines are expensive, and are seldom seen outside of professional tanning salons.
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Features
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Most tanning machines use a ballast system consisting of an inductor to limit the amount of electric current passing through, and a starter to heat the ends of the lamp briefly when it starts. The ballasts regulate the power that is transmitted to the lamps. The tanning lamp works when the ballast directs enough electrical current to it to create a plasma like that found inside fluorescent lamps and neon bulbs. The tanning lamp is coated in the inside with special phosphors and contains approximately 20 mg of mercury. In less than a second after the lamp starts, the plasma begins to flow. It strips away the outer electrons from the mercury, blending them with the phosphor to produce photons in the correct spectrum for tanning. The electrons, now in a slowed-down state, will merge with the first mercury atom they encounter that is missing an electron. Then, the process repeats itself.
Warning
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Overexposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer, cataracts, premature aging of the skin and suppression of the immune system. Most tanning machines emit only UVA rays, which have been connected to increased incidence of melanoma. Subjecting the eyes to UV radiation within a tanning machine may lead to a condition called arc eye. This is the same condition experienced by welders who do not use proper eye protection. Arc eye occurs when exposure to intense ultraviolet light causes inflammation of the cornea or keratitis. Be sure to wear goggles if you decide to use a tanning machine.
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References
- Photo Credit sexy tanning image by Alfonso d'Agostino from Fotolia.com
