TANNING SALONS: ATTENTION DANGER!

The sessions of indoor tanning increases the risk of skin cancer , especially that of melanoma . They do not prepare the skin to the sun and we can expect a health benefit. Alas, too few French are aware of these facts yet scientifically established.

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In France, in the space of 20 years, the number of cases of melanoma diagnosed each year was multiplied by four men and three women. And a recent British expertise, it is no doubt that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) tanning beds contribute to the explosion in the incidence of skin cancer , particularly aggressive. That's why the French Academy of Medicine is sounding the alarm: the tanning beds are dangerous and the French must finally take notice. For this, the Academy calls on governments, regretting that they did not take into account its previous alerts.

It has long been established that UV-B can damage the genetic material (DNA) of skin cells, thus promoting the development of cancer . In addition, we now know that UV -A (those who are mainly emitted by tanning lamps) are as harmful as UVB and play a role in the development of skin cancers . Therefore, UV exposure, whether natural or artificial, is a risk factor for cancer . And if exposure to sunlight is unavoidable, why accumulate risk by choosing to be exposed to artificial radiation? The artificial UV radiation in sunlight add to and strengthen their carcinogenic effects.

The success of the salons tanning is largely due to gaps in the information delivered to the public: the misconception that tanning beds are not dangerous when they are used within certain rules and that exposure to artificial UV radiation may even be beneficial is still too prevalent. This is also the discourse of professionals' I do not see myself as a seller of cancer. In my conscience, I am convinced that a tan is very reasonably healthy. Our body needs, especially for the synthesis of vitamin D, says Marc Boutet, President of the National Union of professional tanning in the cabin.
However, according to the National Academy of Medicine, there is no tan reasonable 'all serious studies show that while before the appearance of pigmentation expected by users of UVA cabins, alterations of the skin are already present and, for certain, definitive and, in addition, a point that is never reported by the Centre Managers tanning , pigmentation obtained have no protective action at future exposure to the sun '. According to a report by the World Health Organization, a tan acquired in the cabin did not even have as much effect as a sunscreen with protection factor equal to 2 or 3.
Concerning the synthesis of vitamin D, exposure to sunlight for 15 to 30 minutes per day is sufficient to synthesize 50 to 90% of the dose at which our bodies need. A balanced diet provides the rest.

France is one of the few countries with very strict legislation governing the use of booths tanning UV (see below). However, members of the National Academy of Medicine consider it insufficient because it "suggests that, subject to strict compliance with recommendations issued by the government and supervision of this activity by a staff that is formed in a few hours, the use of UV emitting cabins remain acceptable '. Therefore Academicians call for a change in the law prohibiting the advertising of facilities tanning , and focusing on better public information about the real danger associated with artificial UV radiation. When is the word 'tan killed on tanning beds?

French regulations

A decree dated 30 May 1997 regulates the sale and use of equipment tanning. The decree requires that all devices that emit UV radiation are reported to health authorities and checked every two years. Information on the risks associated with exposure to UV should be displayed near the devices. The use of these devices is also prohibited to minors. For adults, it must be supervised by a qualified personnel with adequate training. Users must wear appropriate eye protection. Finally, any reference to any beneficial effect on health in the advertising of tanning devices is prohibited.