Too much exposure to UV radiation can also cause: Many provinces across Canada have banned the use of tanning equipment for people under the age of 18.Īlthough the primary concern from excessive UV radiation exposure from tanning beds is sunburn and a significant increase in the risk of cancer, UV radiation damage from tanning equipment is not limited to the skin. If you are under the age of 18 you should not use tanning equipment because you are at an even greater risk of developing cancer. Your risk of getting skin cancer increases if you use tanning equipment, especially if you use it repeatedly before the age of 35.

Skin damage caused by UV exposure is cumulative. In 2009 the WHO changed the classification of the use of UV-emitting tanning devices to ' carcinogenic to humans.'.The WHO and IARC also determined that the use of tanning equipment can increase the risk of developing melanoma by 59% if the age of first exposure was prior to 35 years of age.International experts from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found significant evidence of an association between artificial tanning and the development of skin cancer.There is a lot of scientific evidence that repeated exposure to UV rays from tanning equipment can cause skin cancer: You may think a tan looks healthy, but a tan is actually a sign that UV rays have already damaged your skin. Like natural UV rays, the risks of UV exposure from sun lamps and tanning beds far outweigh the benefits. Thankfully, UVC radiation from the sun is completely absorbed by the ozone layer in the higher atmosphere and never reaches the earth’s level. UVC radiation is hazardous to all forms of life, even with only very short exposures. Both types also contribute to premature aging of skin.

Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer because they damage skin cells and alter their DNA.

Commercial tanning equipment emits mostly UVA radiation, with some UVB. UVB radiation is 1,000 times more likely to cause sunburn than the same intensity of UVA radiation. UVA can create a quick darkening of the skin. UVA penetrates deeper into the skin damaging skin cells called keratinocytes in the lower layers, where most skin cancers occur. UVA radiation is the most common type used in commercial tanning salons. This process can happen when your skin is exposed to UV rays. Some machines can emit on average 2 to 14 times more UVA radiation and up to 10 times more UVB radiation than the sun at noon in the summer.Ī tan is a result of your body producing melanin (a substance that gives skin its colour). The UV output levels of tanning equipment can vary a lot. However, if you do, it is important to know the risks. Health Canada recommends you do not use tanning equipment (like sunlamps or tanning beds). If you think using tanning equipment that emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation (rays) is a safe way to tan, think again.

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