Radiation from Tanning Beds a Carcinogen
Bad news if you think tanning is a good idea. Officials from the International Agency for Research on Cancer have listed tanning beds as "carcinogenic to humans" the highest category for cancer risk. Their research, printed in The Lancet Oncology considers tanning beds as carcinogenic.
In June, scientists from nine countries met at the International Agency for Research on Cancer to pore over data associating tanning beds with the risk of skin cancer.
Their review concluded that the risk of melanoma increases by 75 percent when use of tanning beds and sunlamps begins before 30 years of age. In addition, several studies provided evidence of a link between the use of UV-emitting tanning devices and melanoma of the eye.
The genetic mutation caused by UV radiation has previously been attributed to UVB radiation alone. However, the same mutation was found in the skin of mice exposed to UVA radiation, and that radiation caused the mice to develop tumors, the researchers noted.
These findings caused the agency to reclassify all UV radiation -- including UVA, UVB and UVC -- as carcinogenic to humans. Previously the agency had classified UVA, UVB and UVC radiation as "probably carcinogenic to humans."
Via HealthDay News.
Image credit: Evil Erin
