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Article Series: Skin Cancer
Help Me Understand Skin Cancer
Tanning
Beds And Skin Cancer - The Controversy
One of the more interesting discussions with
regard to skin cancer prevention has to do with the use of
tanning beds or booths that use ultraviolet radiation to produce
a cosmetic tan. Basically the tanning beds use several fluorescent
lamps that are specifically designed to emit ultraviolet rays
in a spectrum that comes close to simulating the sun's rays.
The controversy concerns the possibility of overuse of this
product and thus creating a vulnerability to skin cancer.
There is no question that a certain amount of sunlight on
our skin can have some great health benefits. Besides making
us feel a little more cheerful - one of the primary ways that
our body produces Vitamin D is through sunshine and this vitamin
is essential to help regulating certain processes in our bodies
that protect normal growth and health.
Years ago there wasn't as much concern over the issue of sun
bathing or tanning - even though the danger of over doing it
was always a possibility. However, with the modern issues of
environmental pollution and the depletion of the ozone layer
the risk has become greater that by not limiting our exposure
to the sun's UV rays we will be more likely to get some form
of skin cancer. And the statistics seem to indicate that this
is the case in that in recent decades - skin cancer has become
one of the most fastest growing cancers.
While for some skin conditions a dermatologist may use ultraviolet
rays to treat certain conditions such as eczema or psoriasis,
by far the most active use of this source is for cosmetic purposes.
And it has been found that young women use tanning salons more
than young men. In line with this there has been found to be
a higher incidence of skin carcinomas with young women.
Tanning beds use a spectrum of light rays that includes a
combination of largely UVA and sometimes UVB wavelengths. And
while it can be argued that they can do no more harm than natural
sunlight might - it has to be acknowledged that the danger
is not so much in having some exposure but rather in the overuse
of this product. Unfortunately, with a lot of individual's
it seems that they feel that if something is basically okay
- then where's the harm in indulging?
The World Heath Organization has given its recommendation
that for people younger than 18, tanning beds should be banned.
Not only because a lot of damage can be done to young skin
that will reap repercussions later on in life but also because
it is understood that not all young people may be able to exercise
good judgment with regard to regulating the use of this product.
In some countries such as France this law is already in place.
California as well has adopted this same policy.
Whether or not an individual decides that use of a tanning
bed presents only a minimal risk factor there is no disputing
the fact that over exposure to UV rays will damage the skin.
And tanning beds allow for more opportunity year round to expose
one's skin to this light. Damaged skin becomes more vulnerable
to developing some form of skin carcinoma.
And it is always good to bear in mind that just because one
individual is not affected does not mean that someone else
will not be. Each person's genetic makeup is unique. So in
just the same manner that we would exercise caution with regard
to normal sunlight it is encouraged that we do the same if
we are considering a tanning salon. Do not rely on the promises
of someone who is trying to sell you on it.
Taking the time to analyze your reasons for doing it and weighing
it against any risks will help you find the best balance for
your continued good health.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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