Tanning - Either naturally from the sun or in a tanning booth - what makes it ac

The Risk and Its Assessment of UV Radiation and Sun Tanning

The rate of skin cancer in the United States population has doubled over the last 20 years . In the U .S . this year about 65 ,000 Americans are expected to develop skin cancer . One in seven of today 's kids is expected to develop some form of skin cancer in his or her lifetime Evidence indicates that 85 percent or more of all skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV radiation . When a person chooses to acquire or enhance a tan

using a tanning salon facility , it is important for that person to be aware of the hazards involved , so they can make an informed decision about the amount of exposure they receive . This research is designed to give consumers of tanning salons a fundamental knowledge of ultraviolet radiation , and its effects on people exposed to the various types

Summer is right outside and now is that time when college students all across America hop into tanning beds to get a little color before outdoor activities . I mean who wants to have ghost legs when the pools and beaches are open ? But , before any of you hop into a tanning bed , be aware of the risks you are taking . Organizations such as the American Acadamy of Dermatology , The Skin Cancer Foundation and several others oppose indoor tanning and believe that the hazards have been well documented from experimetal sources , studies and clinical observation These observations have shown that the tanning process is affiliated with many risks

There are two effects that occur in the skin following exposure to UV radiation . When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation a slight immediate pigment darkening or immediate tanning is sometimes observable . It is believed to result from darkening of the melanin pigment that is already present in the epidermis as it absorbs and filters out some of the damaging UV radiation . This tan is only temporary , and fades within 3 to 36 hours after exposure . This type of tan is strongly stimulated by UV radiation . A second process known as delayed tanning ' occurs in some individuals when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation . This process causes two responses . A ) More melanocytes (skin cells capable of producing melanin pigment ) are produced at the base of the epidermis , and each melanocyte produces more melanin pigment . These melanin-containing cells begin to distribute themselves throughout the layers of the skin , as they work their way toward the surface of the skin . This greater presence of melanin-containing cells causes the skin to appear darker in colour . B The tough outer or surface layer of dying skin cells thickens and absorbs more of the hazardous shortwave UV radiation , thereby increasing protection to the inner living skin tissue from the harmful rays . This second , two-part process takes one or more days to happen , and produces a noticeable tan within a few days that can last for weeks or even months

Sunburn (or erythema ) is an inflammatory...