It was actually the Europeans who started
tanning indoors with sunlamps. The practice of
harnessing ultraviolet light as a therapeutic
exercise spread in Europe, particularly in
sun-deprived countries, in the 1970s. This was
long before the first indoor tanning facility
was established in the United Sates in the late
1970s.
Since then, the professional indoor tanning
industry in the US has grown substantially in
the past 30 years. According to industry
estimates, it has grown into a $5 billion
industry with 28 million Americans tanning
indoors annually at about 25,000 tanning salons
around the country.
The most popular device used in tanning salons
is a clamshell-like tanning bed. The customer
lies down on a Plexiglas surface as lights from
above and below reach the body. However, indoor
tanning units are alleged to have safety risks.
While this is so, people – young women in
particular - still patronize tanning salons. The
development of photo aging and skin cancer will
take years to become apparent in these young
tanners, while the perceived social value of a
tan is immediately apparent.
Tanning occurs when the skin produces additional
pigment (coloring) to protect itself against
ultraviolet rays. Overexposure to these rays can
cause eye injury; premature wrinkling of the
skin, light induced skin rashes, and can
increase the chances of developing skin cancer.
Even the indoor tanning industry admits
ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer
provided that it produces an actual burn.
However, industry spokespeople point out that
the pattern of sun exposure that causes skin
cancer, in particular melanoma and basal cell
carcinoma, is not consistent with indoor tanning
practices. For a given amount of UV light, the
industry argues there is a difference between
receiving the energy in many small doses that
lead to a tan versus a few big doses that
produce a burn.
So protect yourself from the possible risks of
skin cancer. Take note of the following
precautions:
-
Limit your
exposure to avoid sunburn. Always ask for
information and further assistance
concerning exposure limits for your age and
skin type.
-
Use goggles to
protect your eyes. Make sure the goggles fit
snugly and check if the salon sterilizes the
goggles to prevent the spread of eye
infectious
Consider
your medical history. Avoid tanning devices when
you are undergoing treatment for lupus or
diabetes. You might also want to inform the
salon if you are taking antihistamines,
tranquilizers or birth control pills.
