Health experts are renewing warnings about the dangers of tanning bed use, citing links between indoor tanning devices and serious skin conditions including melanoma, according to a report by Channel 3000.
Tanning beds emit ultraviolet radiation, the same type of radiation produced by the sun. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, and repeated exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because of its ability to spread to other parts of the body.
Medical professionals have raised concerns that many people, particularly younger users, continue to use tanning beds despite the known health risks. Indoor tanning has been classified as a known carcinogen by international health organizations.
The warnings come as summer approaches, a period when interest in achieving a tan typically increases. Experts point to the availability of tanning salons and the cultural pressure to maintain a bronzed appearance as factors that keep people returning to the devices even when aware of the risks.
Dermatologists and other health professionals generally recommend using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade as alternatives to tanning beds. Self-tanning lotions and sprays are also offered as options for those who want the appearance of a tan without UV exposure.
The concern over tanning beds is not new, but health experts say continued public education is necessary because use of the devices has not declined as sharply as the evidence against them would suggest.
