This month’s “bark out” comes to us courtesy of Central California’s Central Recorder with an attempt at imparting some nuggets of wisdom regarding our health. Seemingly innocuous, the article’s first suggestion will certainly leave most indoor tanning professionals at a loss for words. Okay, maybe one word – like, “huh?”
“Slap on some sunblock and enjoy the sunshine, which has loads of proven health benefits, including boosting our mood. Just remember that when it comes to tanning beds, it’s better for your health to take a pass.”
So, here’s what they’re suggesting: rather than seek a cosmetic tan responsibly and in moderation at an indoor tanning facility where the risk of sunburn and overexposure are minimized, roll the dice and take your chances with exposure to the natural sun. Hmm … I think those folks need to rethink that one.
It goes on: “While sunlight and tanning beds both emit UV radiation, there are some differences between them. As it turns out, tanning beds are worse for you. The UVA radiation emitted by the fluorescent bulbs used in tanning beds is up to three times stronger than what you get from sunlight, and research shows that individuals who start indoor tanning before age 35 have a 75% increase in developing melanoma (via Harvard Medical School).”
Whoa, slow down a little there, Cali Recorder. Three times stronger than what sunlight? At what location? What time of day? What time of year? Are there any reflective surfaces nearby like snow, sand or water that would increase the sun’s intensity? Y’all kinda left those factors out of your conclusion.
A 2007 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology suggested that the risk of skin cancer from a tanning bed session is double that of spending the same amount of time basking in the hottest Mediterranean sun. Interesting comment – let’s try again. There are a plethora of tanning beds available to the public that employ a wide variety of intensities and exposure times to deliver a cosmetic tan. To which specific one with what specific type of sunlamp do they refer? (Crickets.) This reference does not include that vital information. And, just because it’s hot, doesn’t mean that the sun’s intensity has increased! Read more online at: The Real Difference Between Tanning Beds And Tanning In The Sun (centralrecorder.com)
Seldom seen posted anywhere online will be “positive” health information regarding moderate UV exposure such as that received during a sunbed session. How many people will follow “directions” like those in the above-referenced article and suffer sunburn and/or overexposure when they bask in the sun at the pool, park, beach, lake or ball field? Well, even if it’s only one person, it’s one too many. And I would wager, it won’t be just one.
