|  | Public Health Safety | Public Health

What Are the Dangers of Sun Tanning in a Tanning Bed?

Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines tanning as "a browning of the skin especially by exposure to sun." In recent years, tanning has become a major phenomenon among both teens and adults. Having a tan has even become a status symbol for many younger age groups, often being associated with attractiveness. Using a sun bed is often the easiest way to achieve a tan, especially for people outside the tropics. Many risks are associated with these beds, with new complications constantly arising.

  1. How They Work

    • Tanning beds are lined with a series of bulbs that emit ultraviolet rays. These rays are known as UVA rays. The rays from these bulbs are much stronger than the sun's rays, which are known as UVB rays. When lying in the bed, you are surrounded by these bulbs, allowing you to get an even tan with little to no effort involved. The UVA rays penetrate deeper under your skin to the dermis, allowing for a deeper tan immediately, but side effects may appear in the long term.

    Cancer

    • The ultraviolet rays emitted by the bulbs also have radioactive properties. This radiation is much the same as that delivered by the sun, however, the Earth's atmosphere acts as a filter, keeping us safe from the side effects. The tanning bed radiation is extremely dangerous, greatly increasing the user's chances of skin and eye cancer. Users in their teens and early twenties are especially subject to these cancers, as their bodies may not be as highly developed, and they often tend to spend more time in the beds.

    Melanoma

    • A recent study conducted by dermatologists nationwide and reported by WebMD has shown that the use of tanning beds directly increases the risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Your risk of skin cancer and melanoma may be directly influenced by the amount of time you spend in the tanning bed. According to University of Minnesota researcher DeAnne Lazovich, Ph.D., in the interview with WebMD, melanoma has become the second most common form of cancer in women. Many researchers found that the rise in melanoma has directly coincided with the rise in tanning bed popularity among young women.

    Other Side Effects

    • Tanning beds carry many other side effects as well. Long-term exposure can damage your eyes, causing cataracts and eventually blindness. The deep penetrating ultraviolet rays can also weaken your immune system, allowing you to contract many other diseases. One of the most common side effects of tanning beds is early aging. The rays penetrate deep into the levels of your skin, where scars and other damage cannot be repaired. This can cause wrinkles and other signs of aging that might not otherwise be visible for many years.

Public Health - Related Articles