Middlesex-London Health Unit

Does using artificial tanning equipment cause cancer?
UV radiation (UVR) is a known human carcinogen and can cause cancer. Artificial tanning equipment emits ultraviolet UV-A and UV-B radiation. Overexposure to UVR is linked to an increased risk of developing skin cancer including melanoma (the most fatal form of skin cancer). Overexposure to UVR may also cause cataracts and other eye conditions, and suppress the immune system. A review of scientific literature published in March 2005¹, indicated that there was a 25% increase in risk of developing melanoma among those that have ever used artificial tanning equipment as compared to those that have never used artificial tanning equipment. Among those with the longest duration or highest frequency of use of artificial tanning equipment there was a 61% increase in the risk of melanoma as compared to those that never used artificial tanning. In addition, there was a 69% increase in those that had had their first exposure to artificial tanning equipment as a young adult as compared to those that had exposure later in life.

Are there health benefits of using artificial tanning equipment?
In Canada the artificial tanning industry widely advertises the health benefits of using artificial tanning equipment. However these benefits are largely misrepresented and some are outright false and actually prohibited by federal law². For example, it is true that UV-B radiation helps in the production of Vitamin D that in turn helps to form and maintain healthy, strong bones³. It also helps to treat certain medical conditions caused by a Vitamin D deficiency (e.g. rickets). However the average resident of the City of London and Middlesex County does not need additional Vitamin D and is exposed to adequate levels of Vitamin D through their ordinary exposure to natural sunlight and a healthy diet including Vitamin D rich foods such as milk.

Can using artificial tanning equipment protect you from developing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Light therapy has been used for some time for treatment of SAD or "winter-depression". The absorption of specific types of light rays through the retina of the eye has been shown to have some effect on SAD. However, artificial tanning equipment uses light that contains only UV radiation and does not have the specific types of light that are used to treat SAD⁴. Users of artificial tanning equipment are advised to always use goggles to prevent serious damage to their eyes including cataracts.

Can artificial tanning protect me from sunburn by getting a base tan?
The use of artificial tanning equipment may cause some skin to darken in colour and appear to tan. However, a tan only provides the amount of sun protection equivalent to approximately SPF 2 to SPF 4⁵. Keep in mind, leading health organizations recommend using a sunscreen product with at least SPF 30+ to avoid skin damage. Those people who are most at risk for sunburn are the same people for whom artificial tanning is least recommended, for example children, those who sunburn easily, those who have fair skin, light hair and eye colour, those who freckle easily, those who have a large number of moles, and people who are on certain medications.

Should I use artificial tanning equipment for my health?
The World Health Organization (WHO) only recommends the use of UVR under medical supervision for specific diagnosed medical conditions⁵. The WHO also strongly recommends that no children under the age of 18 use artificial tanning equipment.

Why is this a public health issue?
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and can be prevented. Artificial tanning equipment use is an important public health issue because of the growing size of the artificial tanning industry and the increasing number of people using this equipment. In the City of London and Middlesex County approximately 10% of all adults reported using artificial tanning equipment in the year prior to the 2004 survey⁶. Younger women aged 18-34 years old reported the highest rate of use at 28.5%.

1. Gallagher, R.P., Spinelli, J.J., & Lee T.K. (2005) Tanning Beds, Sunlamps, and Risk of Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 14(3), 562-566.
2. Cancer Council of Australia, College of Dermatologists, Osteoporosis Australia (2005, March) Risks and Benefits of Sun Exposure: Implications for Public Health Practice. Retrieved May 10, 2005, from: http://www.cancer.org.au/documents/Risks_Benefits_Sun_Exposure_MAR05.pdf
3. Health Canada (2005) Guidelines for Tanning Salon Owners, Operators and Users. Retrieved May 10 from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hecs-sesc/ccrpb/pdf/guidelines_tanning_salon_owners_operators_users.pdf
4. The Cleveland Clinic Health Information Center: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder and Light Therapy. Retrieved May 10 from http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/1400/1484.asp?index=6412
5. Sinclair, Craig. (2003) Artificial Tanning Sunbeds: Risks and Guidance. (pp. 10-12) World Health Organization.
6. Sanderson, R., & McKinnon, K. (2005, April) Artificial Tanning Use in London-Middlesex [Electronic version]. The Health Index, 14.