Tanning and Radiation

TANNING AND RADIATION

ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

UV

WHAT REACHES US

SKIN PROTECTION FACTOR (SPF) Maximum time before burn (w/ sunscreen) = minutes

to burn (w/o sunscreen) x SPF If it takes 12 minutes to burn your skin, SPF 15 will protect

you for 180 min (180 min = 12 min x 15)

UVA AND UVB A stands for Aging

Penetrates to the dermis

Causes premature aging, wrinkles and cancer

Consistent year-round

B stands for Burning Mainly affects

epidermis Causes burns,

cataracts, immune system damage and cancer

Strongest during summer

Produces vitamin D3

MELANIN Tanning is your body

protecting itself from damage

Basically a skin cell “scab”

Not burning isn’t better

IARC CARCINOGEN LEVELS Group A: Carcinogenic to humans Group B: Likely to be carcinogenic to humans Group C: Suggestive evidence of carcinogenic potential Group D: Inadequate information to assess carcinogenic

potential Group E: Not likely to be carcinogenic to humans Some Group A’s:

Asbestos Arsenic Formaldehyde Hepatitis B and C Tobacco Ultraviolet-emitting tanning devices

TANNING BEDS Used by 30 million Americans per year Used by 21% of HS girls Increased risk of melanoma (the DEADLIEST

form of skin cancer) for those under 35 by 75%

Risk is the same for ALL tanning devices Risk increases with every use The high-pressure sunlamps used in tanning

salons emit doses of UVA as much as 12 times that of the sun

MELANOMA

TANNING BED MYTHS “Tanning provides me with essential vitamin

D” “If I don’t burn, I’m not doing any harm” “I only get a base tan to prevent burning!” “UVA is safer than UVB” “I have darker skin, so I don’t have to worry

about UV rays”