July 31, 2009 â € ”Ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by tanning beds, which were previously considered“ probably carcinogenic ”have just been promoted to the official title of“ human carcinogenic substances ”. This review of the ranking of the effects of tanning booths comes from a report1 of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO).
IARC experts analyzed some twenty epidemiological studies on the risks of exposure to various types of radiation in cancer.
After the analysis, they are of the opinion that UV rays â € ”both from the sun and from tanning lamps â €” can cause cancer or cancer to develop. lesion which would constitute the starting point of cancer. The report, which will be published in August in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet Oncology, points out that in addition to causing skin cancer, tanning beds also give rise to ocular melanoma (eye cancer).
The authors of the report specify that the risk of skin melanoma increases by 75% in people who go to tanning salons before the age of 30. A data that has cause for concern for public health authorities, since more and more young people are going to tanning salons.
More intense UV rays
Remember that tanning devices often emit more intense UV radiation than that of the tropical sun at its zenith. Not to mention that in “sandwich” type tanning beds, a very large body surface area is exposed to UV rays.
In 2003, WHO published a brochure entitled Artificial tanning beds: risks and recommendations. The general public, operators of indoor tanning facilities and governments alike found advice on how the issue of tanning beds could be managed in a manner that would protect public health.
The study’s authors believe that the tanning industry has shown little willingness to self-regulate in this direction. They therefore recommend that public health authorities prohibit minors from accessing tanning salons. The governments of a few Canadian provinces are currently studying the possibility of limiting access to tanning salons.
Pierre Lefrançois â € ”PasseportSanté.net
According to Press, Radio-Canada, Le Soleil, Le Droit
1. El Ghissassi F., Baan R., Straif K., et al. The WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer Monograph Working Group. A review of human carcinogensâ € ”Part D: radiation. The Lancet Oncology, flight. 10, n ° 8, August 2009, p. 751-752.
