Artificial tanning and suntan salons.
Many individuals will seek artificial skin-tanning methods despite recognition of their hazards. The long-wave ultraviolet light (UVA) sources provide a deeper tan and are potentially safer than the short-wave (UVB) sources for most people, hence the use of UVB should be confined to therapeutic purposes. However, there should be adequate warning that UVA is not harmless and, like UVB, will not tan some people's skin effectively. At this moment, there are insufficient data to predict what will be the long-term effect of selective use of UVA both on skin and on eyes. The dosage for a given exposure time will vary from one UVA apparatus to the next and cannot be assessed on the basis of redness, as is with UVB. This is a particularly serious potential hazard for people who purchase UVA units for private use. Adequate eye protection should be mandatory, until proved otherwise. Rigid safety standards are needed for the operation of UVA solaria.
D000818:Animals; D001505:Beauty Culture; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D012867:Skin; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*