FDA Warns of Skin Cancer Risk From Tanning Beds
In the dead of winter, many people turn to indoor tanning (the so-called “fake bake”) to maintain that bronzed glow through the gray and gloomy months. But the Food and Drug Administration is warning again today about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning beds, particularly among teens and young children, and the risks of developing cancer and other health complications.
Exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays either in tanning beds or directly from the sun can cause allergic reactions, including rashes, and damage to the skin that can cause melanoma and other forms of skin cancer, the FDA said.
Earlier this year, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer determined that tanning beds that emit UV radiation are even more dangerous than previously thought and raised the devices to its highest risk category.
Link to Deadly Skin Cancer Found
The agency found an association between indoor tanning and two types of skin cancer — squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma – and a link between UV-emitting tanning devices and cancer of the eye (ocular melanoma). Researchers also found both UV-A and UV-B rays cause DNA damage, which can lead to skin cancer in laboratory animals and humans, and that the risk of melanoma of the skin increased by 75 percent when tanning bed use started before age 35.
Of the more than 68,000 people in the United States who will learn they have melanoma this year, one out of eight will die from it, according to official estimates. Also, the American Academy of Dermatology reports that melanoma is the second most common cancer in women 20 to 29 years old.
The use of tanning beds also has been associated with premature aging, suppression of the body’s immune system, eye damage, and allergic reactions, the FDA said.
Teens, Children of Particular Concern
The FDA is particularly concerned about children and teens who are exposed to UV rays in tanning beds. Generally speaking, younger people may not consider the risks of skin cancer from tanning or think about their own mortality, the FDA said.
Many states are considering banning people under age 18 from using tanning beds and others already have laws in place requiring a parent’s consent or parental supervision before a tanning session.
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I read many articles about this kind of issue. I think it is really true about the tanning beds. Yes it has some advantages and getting the effects of become tan but I read that there are some side effects on it and it is really bad.
All what we need a healthy glowing skin but I also want to know the bad affects of the skin care lotions over long term. Also Are certified organic products good? Can you write a post on that? will be helpful :)