The Case For Tanning Beds ~ Safety In Numbers Those that argue for the use of tanning beds rely on a "safety in numbers" theory. The argument is that small amounts of the UV rays that produce a tan can actually reduce one's risk of skin cancer and burning, thus making it a healthy activity. Initially, tanning beds used bulbs that emitted very harmful UV rays including UVC and UVB. These particular UV rays are well known to cause skin cancer, sunburns and wrinkles. These bulbs were soon replaced with UVA producing bulbs which didn't seem to cause the same effects of it's sister rays. However, too much exposure to even these safe UVA rays can cause the same effects as the UVC and UVB rays. It's important to note that safe tanning, according to the tanning industry advocates, is when you get small doses over a long period of time.

The bulbs used today combine UVA and UVB rays to make tanning beds more time efficient and to produce more satisfying results for the customer. The UVB bulbs just didn't produce a tan fast enough for consumers. No matter what school of thought you come from, there will always be customers coming and opponents opposing. Are Tanning Beds Really Safe? Given the facts, and the lack of conclusive evidence that tanning beds are safe, it seems logical to conclude that tanning beds are in fact safe as long as they are used in moderation. Spending more time in the tanning beds than recommended by the manufacturers will undoubtedly be detrimental to ones skin and health. So long as tanning beds are used responsibly, they don't seem to pose a threat. Prolonged exposure to UVB rays can cause burns, cancer and damage to the immune system. Still the benefit of using a tanning-bed, as opposed to sunning yourself outdoors is sessions can be compared to a safe prescription for ultraviolet light. It is not possible to control a dose of ultraviolet light when you sunbathe because of the weather, the time of day and seasonal conditions. As tanning-beds emit the same rays as the sun, they aid the body in manufacturing vitamin D.

.... Back Page