Solarium_Exposure

Solarium Side-Effects As the use of solariums increase, so are the health risks of those who patronize. While the industry continues operating without national regulations, the government continues to work on laws to regulate the industry. In the meantime, patrons of the solariums continue exposing themselves to potentially hazardous conditions. Solariums primarily use UVA light or radiation, which is considered safer than the combination of UVA and UVB light provided by the sun. However, consumers need to know more than the type of ultra-violet light used in solariums. According to research, UVA light penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB light; and, when provided by a solarium, there can be up to three times as much UVA delivered to the human body as delivered by the sun. Therefore, skin can be damaged much more quickly by solarium exposure than by sunlight. And, unlike the sun which only shines from above, solariums shine UVA light from many angles, exposing much more skin. And, some of the skin that is exposed to UVA light in a solarium is more sensitive than the skin that is typically exposed to direct sunlight. Not only is it important to know about the light used in solariums, it is also important to be aware of the side-effects to UVA light. UVA light has multiple health consequences from short-term effects such as redness, drying, and swelling of skin to more severe and long-term effects like wrinkles, sagging/ loose skin, and skin cancer (2005). It can also cause eye problems such as retinol damage, inflammatory diseases, and cataracts (2005). Research has also shown that the UVA exposure can also affect diseases such as lupus and diabetes while affecting medications such birth control pills, antihistamines, and antibiotics (2005). After being greatly researched around the world, solariums are not safer than the sun or prevent side-effects that were once only related to the sun. Both have ultra-violet radiation that causes many side-effects. Therefore, the best way to prevent skin damage is to use sunscreen with a SPF 15 or higher and moderate sun exposure. “A Burning Issue: are solarium operators risking our safety for the sake of a sale'” (Report: Solariums) Choice Nov 2005.