Artificial tanning: what are the dangers?

Artificial ultraviolet radiation has been classified as a definite carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC, an agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), for more than 20 years.

Yet in France, even if there is a ban on the sale of tanning devices to individuals decreed on January 26, 2016, it does not really apply in practice, as explained Olivier Merckelhead of unit in the assessment of risks related to physical agents at the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (Anses) in an article for The Conversation. The opportunity for him to return to the dangers associated with this practice: “scientific and health data leave no doubt about the health risks posed by the practice of artificial tanning”.

Melanoma: the younger the first UV tan, the greater the risk

As the WHO has pointed out for many years: cancer, sunburn, accelerated skin aging, ocular inflammation and transient immunosuppression are all associated with the use of tanning devices. Many studies also show that exposure to artificial UV rays can lead to addiction to tanning.

“Concerning cancer, by far the most serious effect, the most recent studies make it possible to specify how the risk of melanoma, for example, increases according to practices. As early as 2006, in a meta-analysis of 19 epidemiological studies, the CIRC highlighted an even higher risk of melanoma when exposure to artificial UV rays had started before the age of 30.explains Olivier Merckel.

Several international studies and meta-analyses have since confirmed that the younger the first indoor tanning session, the greater the risk of developing a malignant skin tumor (melanoma). The annual number of sessions as well as the overall duration of exposure are also directly correlated with the increased risk. “Institute sessions can represent the equivalent of a tropical sun with a UV index of 12. The UV index (or index) expresses the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and the risk it represents for health: beyond the index 10, the risks are extreme“, explains Olivier Merckel.

Misconceptions surrounding artificial UV

Many misconceptions about artificial UV persist, as surveys on the subject show. “Among the most common misconceptions is the belief that a few sessions in a tanning booth prepare the skin for the summer sun… This is not the case, on the contrary!”recalls the researcher at ANSES.

“The composition of artificial UV is different from that of the sun. The ultraviolet radiation contained in natural light is thus divided into three ‘bands’, according to their wavelengths, from the least to the most energetic: UVA, UVB and UVC “, he adds. “Tanning booths in France mainly emit UVA rays (which penetrate deeper into our skin, which therefore becomes thinner and ages faster), the UVB rate being limited by regulations. All wavelengths of UV radiation, through different biological mechanisms, are certain carcinogens”continues the specialist.

“The risk of burns in the event of prolonged exposure is real”

“Artificial UV rays only color the skin, without triggering the thickening mechanism associated with progressive exposure to the sun. A study has thus shown a doubling of cases of sunburn in people with melanoma who use cabins tanning. And since there is no heat sensation, the risk of burns in the event of prolonged exposure is real”underlines the researcher.

“Among the other arguments used to justify the interest of tanning booths, the intake of vitamin D or the fight against seasonal depression die hard. However, our body produces it following its exposure to UVB rays… very little emitted A few minutes of exposure to the sun (hands, face) are more than enough to cover normal vitamin D needs… As for the positive effects on morale, they are non-existent again: only visible light plays this role”says Olivier Merckel.

“In France, however, the regulatory path promises to be still a long way before eliminating unnecessary exposure, which is responsible for many deaths. The last three opinions from ANSES on the health risks associated with artificial tanning nevertheless unequivocally recommended, ‘the eventual cessation of all commercial use of artificial UV tanning and the sale of devices delivering artificial UV for aesthetic purposes’”he concludes.