Who wouldn't like to have a tanned, sleek and toned body? I sure would, and so would millions of us Sun Bathers. Getting the natural tan from the glowing sun is one issue, but using the tanning solutions which are not-so-natural to achieve the affect are not the most advisable options today. With the proliferation of tanning solution available in the market, care has to be exercised while using any, without proper precautions. Tanning beds or lamps are becoming an increasingly popular option for people the world over, especially of Caucasian and Nordic origin. The risks to human health that its usage can cause are however drowned in the wake of the convenience it offers. Tanning lights and sunlamps emit UVA and UVB rays. They use Ultra Violet (UV) Light to produce a pigment in our body called 'Melanin' which gives the body the bronzed look. When the body gets exposed to the UV light in its natural intensity sourced from the sun, it produces the correct amount of the naturally present chemical within the body. In contrast, when the body is exposed to processes like the Tanning bed, the intensity and distance of the UV radiation is much more. This leads to premature ageing of the skin amongst other more severe maladies. According to a study at the St Thomson Hospital, Kingston, the frequency of skin related diseases in people using sun tanning beds and lamps is higher than those using the natural source. The problem does not end just there. The known health hazards due to prolonged and extended usage of the process have been studied and the following startling deductions made:- The short term risk from the lamp extends from itchy rashes, to more severe skin related disorders. The use of drugs like antibiotics can cause a more severe effect like making the skin permanently vulnerable to the sun light. The retina can be severely damaged if the eye is exposed to the UV rays at such short range. The normal practice of wearing blind masks while taking the tan bath is of little use. There have been known cases of patients developing cataract after prolonged session of UV exposure. Premature wrinkling and ageing of the exposed skin is another direct cause of tan bedding and has been documented in literature. The skin is also known to become feathery and leathery after been exposed to artificially created UV rays at small range and high intensity. Tan bedding may be linked to malignant melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Studies indicate that tanning, especially under artificial light, has a significant affect on a human body's immunity system. Pregnant mothers are strictly advised against tanning in artificial light. It is known to have adverse affects on the new born child and the health of the mother. Having seen the pitfalls and risks to health due to tan bedding, its best to observe the mentioned safety practices:- Ensure that the tanning salon adheres to the prescribed intensity of lamps. No quick fix tans to be allowed. Use proper lotion prior to tanning. Do not over expose a single part of the body. Make the expose equal. Do not expose rashes and cuts in the body to UV radiations directly. Maintain the frequency of tan bedding to a minimum. Tanning bed use has become a frequent behavior in most Caucasian populations. Studies indicate that use of tanning beds by adolescents, particularly older teenage girls, is quite prevalent and continues to rise. Several epidemiological studies, although not all, have shown a significant relationship between the use of tanning devices and malignant melanoma. A tan is the body's response to DNA damage from ultraviolet radiation which can cause sunburn, and aging and wrinkling of the skin. It is best to exercise restraint while exposing ones body to them, lest we end up with problems not envisaged earlier. |
