Tanning Beds and Skin CancerWhat is UV radiation? Before we can discuss the harmful effects of tanning equipment and increased sun exposure, you need to be familiar with the components of ultraviolet light and how it affects the skin. Sunlight contains two types of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are made up of longer wavelengths that penetrate deep into the dermal layer of the skin. Limited exposure to UVA rays causes the skin to tan; However, most experts agree that overexposure to UVA rays can lead to other long-term skin damage. The wavelengths of UVB rays are much shorter and affect the outer layers of the skin. UVB rays are known as “burning rays” and are considered more dangerous. Tanning beds and sunlamps generally emit 93% to 99% UVA radiation, increasing the benefits of tanning. This is three times the UVA radiation emitted by the sun (http://www.wraltv.com/features/healthteam/1998/0520 - sunscreen/). What is the difference between tanning and sunburn? It is also important to know what happens to the skin when tanned or sunburned and what the long-term harmful effects may be. UVB rays are mainly responsible for burning the skin. The rays actually burst capillaries just below the surface of the skin (http://www.cybermall2000.com/stones/tanning/index.html). Long wavelength, UVA rays have totally different results on the skin. When UVA rays penetrate the skin, melanin granules oxidize and tan or turn golden brown. However, UVB rays are necessary to stimulate these melanin granules to rise to the surface of the skin, especially in skin that has small amounts of the pigment, melanin (http://www.shop.net/suncity/). What Makes Tanning Beds Safer “Most tanning bed companies agree that indoor… middle of the paper… a “sunbed.” British Journal of Dermatology 1982;107:275-284 . Kennedy, M., Kim, K., Harten, B., Brown, J., Planck, S., Meshul, C., Edelhauser, H., Rosenbaum, J.T., Armstrong, C.A., & Ansel, J.C. (1997 ).Ultraviolet irradiation induces the production of multiple cytokines by human corneal cells. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. , Nilsson, B., &Ullen, H. (1996). Sunbed use in relation to phenotype, erythema, sunscreen use and skin disease. A questionnaire among Swedish adolescents -716. Douglas, H. M., McGee, R., & Williams, S. (1997). Sunlight behavior and perception of melanoma risk among 21-year-old New Zealanders. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 21(3): 329- 334. (abstract).