New data to support harmful effects of tanning
It is official: tanning beds cause cancer. The World Health Organization has released a report claiming that tanning beds are officially “carcinogenic to humans” rather than “probably” carcinogenic to humans. Recent data from scientific laboratories has shown a correlation between exposure to tanning beds/sun lamps and melanoma (skin cancer). The research found momentum when large numbers of young females began developing melanoma, and the behavioral common denominator was fake tanning. Of course, direct sun exposure is said to also play a role, but it is not directly investigated in the study.
I’m sure that by now, most of you have realized that more than one form of ultraviolet rays exists. There are three types, to be thorough, named Ultraviolet A, B, and C. All three of these forms have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory studies involving animals. What does this mean for you? Tanning salons will often tell you that they use more A than B, and that A is more harmful than B so you are fine. That is incorrect. Exposure to all three, whether simultaneously or individually, has been associated with the occurrence of cancer. Tanning with Ultraviolet A rays alone will not prevent the harmful effects.
Still not convinced? The study found that if you are under the age of 30, using a tanning bed will increase your risk of melanoma by 75%. That’s no joke, and as you age, that probability is likely to increase. Since looking tan has become a sign of health and style, the prevalence of melanoma in young women has increased threefold in the time between 1973 and 2004. The moral of this story is this: you are always invincible until you are not. Don’t trick yourself into thinking that you are not one of those people who will be fine and continue to tan frequently, whether indoors or outdoors. Use suntan lotion, limit your exposure to direct sunlight and tanning beds, and use common sense. The data is out, and you do not want to test your luck. The next time one of your friends tells you that tanning won’t cause cancer, “they use A-rays,” refer them to this article.
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