The association does acknowledge that ultraviolet can be dangerous. In an ad to appear in tomorrow’s New York Post, they say,

UV light from a tanning bed is the same as UV light from the sunshine, which has had the “group 1” classification since 1992.

But they add:

“Because tanning beds produce the same UV light as the sun, OVEREXPOSURE and abuse of our product—just like OVEREXPOSURE to sunlight—is associated with an increased risk for some types of skin cancer. Other items in this category are red wine and salted fish. Scientific studies suggest that drinking red wine or other alcoholic beverages carries a greater cancer risk than tanning.  It is completely irresponsible to compare indoor tanning with mustard gas or arsenic as so many media reports today have done.”

What do you think? Do you tan this way? Are we just being scared away or is there something to this?

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Image: iStock.com

Post from: Blisstree

Indoor Tanning Industry Fights Back

They have sounded warnings in the past about the use of tanning beds and booths, but they are still popular among many, particularly the younger adults and teens. The tanning done by this method allows strong ultraviolet rays to hit the skin and cause damage. This damage has a high chance of developing into skin cancer years down the road.

Researchers looked at 20 different studies and, using those study findings, concluded that the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75% when people start using tanning beds before they are 30 years old. The findings of this research were published in the most recent edition of the journal Lancet Oncology.

According to this U.S.A. Today article, Tanning beds now listed among top cancer risks, the sunbed industry disputes this, claiming that there’s never been a link between the two.

Ok, maybe the declaration that tanning beds are on par with mustard gas and arsenic may be pushing it, but it’s not hard to see why the doctors and researchers are concerned. As more young people use these tanning beds, more are being diagnosed years later with a deadly form of skin cancer called melanoma.

We know that too much sun causes skin cancer. We know that it’s the rays that cause it. Therefore, if the rays are used in tanning beds and booths, why do people expose themselves to it and take that risk?

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Photo: Newscom.com

Post from: Blisstree

Tanning Beds Deemed High Cancer Risk

IMG: Sxc.hu

“She was under-age but there was no staff there to stop her from using it. And there was no-one to give advice on using these potentially dangerous machines.”

This was one very lucky girl, even if she did get burned. Doctors said if she’d spent 2 more minutes inside the dangerous machine (at least for her) she would’ve been facing getting skin grafts. Dr. Len Lichtenfeld has wrote a post explaining that those that use tanning beds before 35 increase their chances of getting melanoma by 75%.

A sign on the door at the Electrik Avenue tanning centre reads: “Strictly over 16s only.”

There was a sign there that prohibits those younger than 16, however knowing children they won’t always obey especially when there are no adults present.

She was using the tanning bed to get herself that beautiful, golden tan just in time for summer. But now she’s been told she must stay out of the sun for the next 10 years in fear she will get skin cancer easier. Was it worth getting into the tanning bed? No.

What do you think of allowing your child/teen to use a tanning bed? Do you use one? Do you encourage your child to use one?

Here’s what some others are saying on the topic:
- Parent Dish wants to know if your kid using a tanning salon too.
- MomLogic is stating Kelly’s Mom wants all unmanned salons to get staff. I agree with this.

Post from: Blisstree

Tanning Beds: Do Your Kids/Teens Use Them?

The rise in melanoma is being attributed to binge tanning during holidays and the increasing use of tanning beds or sunbeds. SunSmart Caroline Cerny, manager for Cancer Research UK’s campaign, advises:

“Spending time on sunbeds is just as dangerous as staying out too long in sun. Sunbeds don’t offer a safe way to tan. The intensity of UV rays in some sunbeds can be more than 10 times stronger than the midday sun.”

According to SunSmart, risk factors for skin cancer include fair skin that burns easily, lots of moles or freckles, a history of sunburn (especially when young), red or fair hair, light-colored eyes and a personal or family history of skin cancer.

Those with one or more risk factors are advised to avoid sunburn by using shade, clothing and SPF 15 or higher sunscreen. Finding skin cancer early is crucial.

How are you protecting yourself against skin cancer?

(Image via stock.xchng)

Post from: Blisstree

Skin Cancer on Rise in UK Women

A new law has been proposed, banning tanning beds for use if you’re under 18 years old. The idea is much like the ban on tobacco, to prevent exposure to a known cancer-causing agent, in this case, the ultraviolet rays.

The state already has some tanning-regulatory laws in place. Parents must accompany their child if the child is under 16, and if the teen is 16 or older, but under 18, he or she must have parental permission. A doctor’s note will allow a child under 13 to enter a tanning bed.

What do you think? Should a state or province be allowed to ban tanning beds or to put regulations like this? Part of me says no because I don’t think you can compare cigarettes and alcohol to tanning. Smoking causes more illnesses than just cancer, and the effects of smoking can hurt more than just the smoker. Alcohol causes other illnesses and can cause severe injury to others if a person chooses to drive drunk or acts out in a violent manner when drunk.

While I don’t like tanning beds and don’t think anyone should use them for a non-medicinal purpose, I don’t see the point of having such banning. You can read more about the issue in this article: Texas gears up for tanning bill fight.

Image: Flickr

Post from: Blisstree

May I See Your ID Please?