Tanning: the Sun Has a Dark Side
Tanning: The Sun Has a Dark Side
The first indoor tanning beds were developed in 1906, by a medical research company named Heraeus. The main purpose of this tanning lamp was medicinal, used on patients with calcium deficiency disorders, to see if the increased sun light would build stronger bones, and help the body produce more calcium. As time progressed, it became apparent that Heraeus was onto something big with his invention. In the early 1970 's the tanning bed’s use turned from medicinal to cosmetic, when a German scientist, Fredrick Wolff, decided to use the artificial sunlight on athletes, hoping to demonstrate that the tanning bed would increase their athletic aptitude. His timing was perfect. The golden tan was becoming a popular fashion trend, so Wolff used his acquired knowledge to tap into the fashion industry (Tanning Beds). He developed one of the greatest inventions of our time: The tanning bed. Across the nation tanning has grown to be a popular trend in our society. The deep, dark tan is a new craze sought by people, especially teens. It is that bronzed, sun-kissed outcome that instills a high sense of beauty in the person that has it. People will spend countless hours and money to acquire this wanted look, to strive for perfection. However, people overlook the long term effects that tanning does to our bodies. The government has made steps to improve peoples’ health and safety, and is starting to look at the dangers of indoor tanning. In California, the government has passed a law banning indoor tanning for adolescents. Allowing minors to tan may result in health consequences.
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer across the nation. There are three kinds: basal, squamous and melanoma. Basal and squamous are not as dangerous and do not occur as often as melanoma. The occurrence of melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, has doubled in the U.S. since 1975 among women ages 15 to 29 (Hawaleshka, Danylo).
The first indoor tanning beds were developed in 1906, by a medical research company named Heraeus. The main purpose of this tanning lamp was medicinal, used on patients with calcium deficiency disorders, to see if the increased sun light would build stronger bones, and help the body produce more calcium. As time progressed, it became apparent that Heraeus was onto something big with his invention. In the early 1970 's the tanning bed’s use turned from medicinal to cosmetic, when a German scientist, Fredrick Wolff, decided to use the artificial sunlight on athletes, hoping to demonstrate that the tanning bed would increase their athletic aptitude. His timing was perfect. The golden tan was becoming a popular fashion trend, so Wolff used his acquired knowledge to tap into the fashion industry (Tanning Beds). He developed one of the greatest inventions of our time: The tanning bed. Across the nation tanning has grown to be a popular trend in our society. The deep, dark tan is a new craze sought by people, especially teens. It is that bronzed, sun-kissed outcome that instills a high sense of beauty in the person that has it. People will spend countless hours and money to acquire this wanted look, to strive for perfection. However, people overlook the long term effects that tanning does to our bodies. The government has made steps to improve peoples’ health and safety, and is starting to look at the dangers of indoor tanning. In California, the government has passed a law banning indoor tanning for adolescents. Allowing minors to tan may result in health consequences.
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer across the nation. There are three kinds: basal, squamous and melanoma. Basal and squamous are not as dangerous and do not occur as often as melanoma. The occurrence of melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, has doubled in the U.S. since 1975 among women ages 15 to 29 (Hawaleshka, Danylo).
Cited: "Are Tanning Beds a Safe Source of Vitamin D?" Women to Women — Changing Women 's Health — Naturally. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. <http://www.womentowomen.com/healthynutrition/vitamindandtanningbeds.aspx>. Brody, Jane E. "When Tanning Turns Into an Addiction - NYTimes.com." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. 21 June 2010. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/22/health/22brod.html?ref=health>. Gatty, Bob. “Hot-Bed Polities,” Dermatology Times 31.3 (2010): 12. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. Hawalshka, Danylo, and Barbara Righton.” CANCER BE DAMNED, KIDS WANNA TAN Nastoff, Ariya. "Why Is Tanning so Popular." My.hsj.org. 11 Mar. 2010. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. Rabin, Roni Caryn. “BEHAVIOR: Students Addicted to Indoor Tanning.” New York Times 04 May 2010: 6. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 17 Nov. 2011 Rados, Carol Rawe, Julie, and Sean Scully. “Why Teens Are Obsessed With Tanning.” Time 168.6 (2006): 54-56, Academic Search Complete. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. Sarah Elkins, et al "Skin Cancer Facts." American Cancer Society :: Information and Resources for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Prostate, Lung and Other Forms. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. <http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/SunandUVExposure/skin-cancer-facts>. "Tanning Beds." Londonancestor.com. Web. 10 Nov. 2011. “Teens Not Cautioned On The Dangers Of Tanning Beds.” Pharmacy Times 77.5 (2011): 14. Academic Search Complete. Web. 17 Nov. 2011.