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Do the Benefits of Tanning Outweigh the Risks?

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Do the Benefits of Tanning Outweigh the Risks?
Do the Benefits of Tanning Outweigh the Risks?

Amber Williams

University of Phoenix, Axia College

26 year-old Clare Oliver spent her last living days warning the population about the dangers of tanning beds. The young woman started using tanning beds in her teens and was diagnosed with skin cancer when she was 22 years old (Ross, 2008). Reports come out every year with an increased amount of people who are affected by Ultra Violet radiation exposure. With so many studies about the connection to tanning beds and cancer; the risks of premature aging and skin cancer risks do not scare the young population. Tanning beds, along with their potential risks, also offer some health benefits. Even though tanning can help some skin and health problems, tanning beds can be linked to some skin cancers, damages to the skin, burning and premature aging of the skin from the deep penetrating Ultra Violet Rays found in tanning beds. The Effects of Ultra Violet Light Ultra Violet radiation is energy from the sun. The visible light that reaches the earth are classified as infrared and Ultra Violet. As Ultra Violet Radiation reaches the earth’s atmosphere it is filtered by other elements of the earth. The Ultra Violet Light will not harm people but does pose a threat to those who have prolonged exposure to Ultra Violet Light. While a small amount of sun exposure is pleasurable and healthy, overexposure can be dangerous (Ferniany, 2008). A common misconception among the public is that if they can not see visible damage to the skin than no damage has been done. The danger is not the sun light, it is the type of Ultra Violet Radiation (UV) light found in Artificial Tanning that causes the real damage. The Ultra Violet Rays used in tanning beds are concentrated radiation and penetrate deep into the skin; more so than natural sunlight (Upton, 2002). Although ultraviolet rays do have a purpose, according to the Indoor Tanning Association indoor tanning is an


References: Ferniany, W. (2008). UAB Medicine [Causes of Skin Cancer]. Retrieved August 3, 2009, from http://www.health.uab.edu Indoor Tanning (2008, January 18) Kelly, A. (2006). Stay Safe in the Sun. Natural Health, 36(6), 47-51. Retrieved August 5, 2009, from EBSCO Host. Apollo Library database. Tanning Bed Usage Rises Significantly, Despite Warnings (2008). Medical News Today, Retrieved August 4, 2009, from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com database. Upton, A. C. "Ultraviolet Radiation." Encyclopedia of Public Health. 4 1237-1238. Retrieved August 08, 2009 from Gale. Apollo Library database.
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