Tanning Beds As Deadly As Arsenic And Mustard Gas: Study

LONDON — International cancer experts have moved tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk category, deeming them as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas. For years, scientists have described tanning beds and ultraviolet radiation as "probable carcinogens."

A new analysis of about 20 studies concludes the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30. Experts also found that all types of ultraviolet radiation caused worrying mutations in mice, proof the radiation is carcinogenic. Previously, only one type of ultraviolet radiation was thought to be lethal.

The new classification means tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation are definite causes of cancer, alongside tobacco, the hepatitis B virus and chimney sweeping, among others.

The research was published online in the medical journal Lancet Oncology on Wednesday, by experts at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, the cancer arm of the World Health Organization.

"People need to be reminded of the risks of sunbeds," said Vincent Cogliano, one of the cancer researchers. "We hope the prevailing culture will change so teens don't think they need to use sunbeds to get a tan."

Most lights used in tanning beds give off mainly ultraviolet radiation, which cause skin and eye cancer, according to the International Agency for Cancer Research.

The classification of tanning beds as carcinogenic was disputed by Kathy Banks, chief executive of The Sunbed Association, a European trade association of tanning bed makers and operators.

"The fact that is continuously ignored is that there is no proven link between the responsible use of sunbeds and skin cancer," Banks said in a statement. She said most users of tanning beds use them less than 20 times a year.

But as use of tanning beds has increased among people under 30, doctors have seen a parallel rise in the numbers of young people with skin cancer. In Britain, melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, is now the leading cancer diagnosed in women in their 20s. Normally, skin cancer rates are highest in people over 75.

Previous studies found younger people who regularly use tanning beds are eight times more likely to get melanoma than people who have never used them. In the past, WHO warned people younger than 18 to stay away from tanning beds.

Cogliano cautioned that ultravoilet radiation is not healthy, whether it comes from a tanning bed or from the sun. The American Cancer Society advises people to try bronzing or self-tanning creams instead of tanning beds.

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On the Net:

http://www.lancet.com

Comments

[ddanimal]

03:32 AM on 07/31/2009

Moderation would be about 1-3 times per month, in a bed that produces significant UVB, the type of radiation that produces vitamin D.

I expect that such exposure would REDUCE overall cancer rates, though skin cancer might be increased. Skin cancer would be little affected in people that have adequate antioxidant protection.

Again, dont believe the hype about the dangers of UV, UV is absolutely essential for good health.

[ddanimal]

03:30 AM on 07/31/2009

Vitamin D deficiency kills more people than the sun or tanning beds ever will.

I sunbathe and use tanning beds. I think its healthy in moderation.

I also believe that skin cancers are caused sunblock (oxybenzone etc), and other lifestyle choices by the kinds of people that use tanning beds. UV light is only a problem if you have inadequate antioxidants and poor nutritional status.

UV exposure is absolutely critical for good health. UV deficiency (i.e. vitamin D deficiency) causes many types of cancers-many that are much more deadly than skin cancer.

Dont believe the hype about tanning and the sun. though I will say that sun exposure is better than tanning beds, since tanning beds stimulate less vitamin D production than the sun.

[outnow]

01:14 PM on 07/30/2009

Melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell cancers are good reasons to avoid tanning slaons.

[lloydjs]

12:03 PM on 08/03/2009

Melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell cancer is very genetic and there is no proof that a tanning bed causes these cancers. Before you make such bold statement you should do your research.

Dermatolagist use the same lights for psoriasis, acne and other skin problems. Should they stop using the lights as well and why are you not attacking the doctors that use them. Should we shut down the dermatolagist for using the same lights? Doctors send there patients to tanning beds when they cannot afford to use the lights at there office. Most people do not no these and that is why you should do your research.

There is a lot of good uses for tanning beds and you should always use everything in moderation and pay attention to your own health, and always use a tanning salon that helps you use the tanning beds properly.

Next time you go to the store be careful what processed foods you buy because the chemicals they use also cause cancer. Just a food for thought.

[trinity]

10:04 AM on 07/30/2009

I remember when I went back to school so I could change careers, there were quite a few early 20s ladies in the education department who came to class with nicely bronzed skin in the middle of a Chicago winter. They bragged about going to the tanning salons several times a week because certain ones had "all you can tan" deals. The salon I used to get my hair cut out, installed tanning beds about 10 years ago, and their business has boomed ever since, especially with the teen and early 20s crowd. They had "all you can tan" deals and they had many high school and college girls in there several times a week. I can only imagine what these girls will look like once they to my age (late 30s).

[lloydjs]

12:05 PM on 08/03/2009

If they use the tanning bed correctly and use lotion they will be fine.

[KarateKid]

08:11 AM on 07/30/2009

Why is the gal in the picture wearing anything? Don't they tan in the privacy of a room. It's going to leave tan lines that way. Besides, the pic would have been more interesting to look at with her in the buff.

[PeaceOnEarth62]

03:28 AM on 07/30/2009

Laying under hot blazing lights. Dangerous? Ya think?
My prayers go out to all the Lizard Ladies who swear by those deadly things. Spray tans are the best. Wear a big beautiful hat and seek shade ladies!!!

[lloydjs]

12:08 PM on 08/03/2009

Spray tans have chemicals in them that cause cancer. Anything you put on your skin goes right to your blood stream.

Do your research

I tan and I do not look like a lizard, also half my clients are men.

[ThermoChemist]

12:39 AM on 07/30/2009

A recent email I received (Benzene in cars).

ttp://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/benzene.asp

"Please do not turn on A/C immediately as soon as you enter the car. Open the windows after you enter your car and turn ON the air-conditioning after a couple of minutes.

Here's why: According to a research, the car dashboard, sofa, air freshener, etc., emit Benzene, a Cancer causing toxin (carcinogen - take time to observe the smell of heated plastic in your car). In addition to causing cancer, Benzene poisons your bones, causes anemia and reduces white blood cells. Prolonged exposure will cause Leukemia, increasing the risk of cancer.. May also cause miscarriage. Acceptable Benzene level indoors is 50 mg per sq. ft. A car parked indoors with windows closed will contain 400-800 mg of Benzene. If parked outdoors under the sun at a temperature above 60 degrees F, the Benzene level goes up to 2000-4000 mg, 40 times theacceptable level... People who get into the car, keeping windows closed will inevitably inhale, in quick succession, excessive amounts of the toxin. Benzene is a toxin that affects your kidney and liver. What's worse, it is extremely difficult for your body to expel this toxic stuff.

So friends, please open the windows and door of your car - give time for interior to air out -dispel the deadly stuff - before you enter.

[wilray]

05:49 AM on 07/30/2009

Thanks for the tip. But tell me, what if your car has rich Corinthian leather.

[Renatakilol]

09:47 PM on 07/29/2009

im debating on linking this article to a girl i know who is oompa-loompa orange from tanning beds / sprays. shes the type that goes 3-4 times a week, year round, on top of going to the beach during the summer.

[lloydjs]

12:10 PM on 08/03/2009

Spray tans cause you to be orange not tanning beds. Spray tans have chemicals in them as well. Do your research

[EmeraldWorld]

08:53 PM on 07/29/2009

Somehow I don't think this will stop droves of white people from tanning. The many who tan didn't care about the dangers before, and I'm guessing they probably still don't care now.

[eleanorhawking]

10:49 PM on 07/29/2009

I agree with you. I know a woman who is a nurse, and should know better. She smokes, and has a tanning bed in her house. Of course she also refuses to put her kid in a booster seat, so I guess she's a bad example.

[lloydjs]

01:44 PM on 08/03/2009

Maybe the nurse you know has done her research and know's the positive affects of tanning.

How many of us go to the grocery store and eat food full of preservatives. Thats bad for you as well, and could possibly cause cancer.

How many people actually excercise? Are you overweight? Being overweight causes problems with your internally organs. When we pick on things other people do we need to take a good long look in the mirror.

[lloydjs]

12:12 PM on 08/03/2009

They don't care because there is no proven link that tanning beds cause cancer. The key is to use in moderation and use a good tanning salon that helps you do it right.

People with skin disease use tanning beds because there doctors send them to tanning beds.

[Ohsherri]

04:56 PM on 07/29/2009

oh ya...and food causes obesity and eating disorders right?

wrong of course.
Gee...there's no "in between" here.
Just an absolute no way to any.
I'm noy buying it.

[LuckyLT2]

03:43 PM on 07/29/2009

Why did they use a black girl in the opening picture? Wow, interesting. I guess they're the ones who really go tanning. LOL!!

[wilray]

12:56 AM on 07/30/2009

I'm glad I am not the only one seeing this. Not that there is anything wrong with it.

[TigersEye]

02:04 PM on 07/29/2009

Everyone should embrace their natural skin color. (gets out self tanner and applies liberally)

[wilray]

12:59 AM on 07/30/2009

My natural skin color is overcast, sometimes cloudy, followed by fits of depression.

[PoliticalRockChick]

06:55 AM on 07/30/2009

Amen to that. Including their butts and their lips.

[harriscrl3]

01:37 PM on 07/29/2009

YIKES what will our Orange Representative from Ohio Do?

[PoliticalRockChick]

01:33 PM on 07/29/2009

As a black woman, my skin is naturally tan. I'm black and proud.

[oakley9]

01:36 PM on 07/29/2009

and???

[PoliticalRockChick]

06:54 AM on 07/30/2009

I'm just saying that it makes no sense there are those who have deemed black and brown features inferior, but turn around and do butt implants, lip implants and tan their skin to look like me and black and brown women out there. I'm just saying.

[LuckyLT2]

03:41 PM on 07/29/2009

Sure you are. You're truly representin' with that blue eye! ;-D

[PoliticalRockChick]

06:52 AM on 07/30/2009

It's a art photograph, dummy. And if you look closely the pupil is shaped like a heart. I'm in the arts.

[tel8034]

01:14 PM on 07/29/2009

Was Sarah Palin's tanning bed CAREFULLY packed to avoid any damage and will continue to work properly? ....................... Just wondering.

[rich misty]

01:31 PM on 07/29/2009

I swear, I saw the headline and that was my very first thought.

[Ohsherri]

05:00 PM on 07/29/2009

Now she doen't look like she tans to leather-extreme.
I think that is unhealthy.
But I also think its okay to get some colour...some rays.
Especially if you live up north.