Smooth or scaly? Tanning dangers
Tanning may be a quick way to get that perfect skin tone, but the dangers of using tanning beds to get the perfect look are skyrocketing, according to the Melanoma Research Foundation.
Tanning beds are equipped with ultraviolet (UV) lights that expose people to radiation.
Tanned skin is a result of damage to skin cells. UV radiated skin damage can lead to premature skin aging, as well as cancer.
The Melanoma Research Foundation, reports; “Just one blistering sunburn can double your chances of developing melanoma later in life. In addition, using tanning beds before age 30 increases your risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent.”
Courtesy of Sunco Tanning
USM student, Andre Edwards does not agree with the 24-hour tanning law, saying, “I don’t think it should take you 24 hours to get another tan. I mean the sun is always out so the beds should always be open. We cannot control the sun, so do not control the beds if that is our choice.”
Tanning is so dangerous that 11 countries, including Brazil has made tanning completely illegal. According to the National Tanning Training Institute, all tanning devices manufactured in the U.S. on or after Sept. 8, 1986, must have a warning label, an accurate timer, an emergency stop control, and include an exposure schedule and protective goggles.
Although the dangers of tanning may vary, there are also tips and methods that can be used to revent permanent skin damage and skin cancer.
Palm Beach Tan, is a tanning service located in Hattiesburg, MS, that has various tanning options to choose from so that people are not forced to deal with UV radiation exposure if they do not choose this method.
There are also specific requirements that Palm Beach Tan has to meet in regulation to the FDA’s policies.
24-hour tan rule
Required emergency shut off switch, or “panic button”
Make warning easier to read and more prominent on the device
Improve eye safety by limiting the amount of light allowed through protective eyewear
Palm Beach Tan employee, Allyn Abney states, “Actually the FDA has a law, we have a 24-hour tan policy, so any tanning franchise has to implement a 24-hour tanning policy. They are actually trying to change it to 48 hours right now.”
The time in between tanning is vital, so that people are not getting too much exposure to UV lights they are forced to wait so that they can prevent serious illness.
Michelle Barefoot, manager at Planet Beach, which is also located in Hattiesburg, disagrees with the 24-hour tanning policy.
Michelle Barefoot states, “I think the time in between getting a tan should be shorter. When you think about the time that you’re outside and playing a sport, you don’t say hey we have to wait another 24 hours to play a game in the sun, so I feel that you should not have to wait 24 hours to get another tan if you are in a safe tanning bed.”
The previous time period in between receiving a tan was 18
hours and has since been changed to 24 hours.
Courtesy of Palm Beach Tans
“Actually both of ours are. We have a sensor, and we scan your forehead which is the darkest part of your body and the inside of the arm which is the lightest part of your body and it reads the melanin in your skin and it determines the length of time you should stay and also the output and the wattage of the bulbs,” Michelle Barefoot says.
Courtesy of Planet Beach Spray & Spa
The method that is recommended most, to prevent exposure from UV radiation is the spray on tan. The spray on tan does not take as much time as laying in a tanning bed or out in the
sun.
There are special products that various tanning salons sale to maintain the vitamin D that those who are looking to tan lack.
Abney also states, “Also, we really encourage people to do spray tanning too. It’s a great alternative to tanning in the tanning bed and people are really satisfied with their results.”
Although there are different methods to tanning, many people may still choose to go about it their own way.
When tanning, it is imperative that you follow all safety guidelines and receive the proper preparation to make your tanning experience a success.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “More than 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year are linked to indoor tanning, including about 245,000 basal cell carcinomas, 168,000 squamous cell carcinomas, and 6,200 melanomas.
Also, the FDA is proposing to restrict the sunlamp products to people age 18 years old and older, and require they sign a risk acknowledgment certification before use.
HUB CITY TV
Hub City TV reporter Jordain Lang investigates the dangers of tanning beds.
