About comercial tanning beds

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States today. So it makes sense that tanning booths have been found to increase one's chances of developing skin cancers. In fact, recent research conducted by a leading dermatologist suggests that UV-tanning booths may have played a role in some cases of melanoma (skin cancer) and even basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common form of skin cancer.

The lengths people will go to achieve a tan are disturbing. On average, 20% or more of Americans use commercial tanning beds, with half using them every week! Suffice it to say there are no safe ways to get a tan. The only way is to be out in the sun.

While tanning beds are a 25 billion industry, and most tanners do not use the beds for cosmetic reasons, some addictive personalities may be developing an addiction to tanning that could lead to serious health problems. Additionally, several breeders have reason to believe that people who frequent tanning salons would make poor choices when buying a puppy. Breeder beware! (See our article on UV light and dog skin cancer)

So what's the problem with the commercial beds? Tanning machines typically emit no less than 2% of ultraviolet radiation while users are inside them. Even worse, that radiation has been shown Studies to potentially cause both melanoma and BCC. Exposure to UV does not just damage the skin, but can lead to a variety of health problems. And even when tanning users don't get sick as a direct result of using the beds, they often suffer from depression, anxiety and other problems as a result of the harmful effects.

The effects of UV radiation on skin cells are powerful. Even those individuals who don't develop cancer from their exposure may have accelerated aging and other skin problems as well.

For instance, the research of Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, a leading skin cancer specialist at Harvard Medical School, suggests that ultraviolet radiation may lead to an increase in melanoma and other skin conditions. According to Dr. Tanzi, UV exposure can affect the immune system leading to diseases like psoriasis and other skin conditions. He also noted that UV exposure could provoke improper production of a hormone called IGF-1 which has been linked to a number of cancers.

It's not clear exactly how tanning affects skin cells directly, but it is known that UV radiation damages DNA and genetic material within cells so badly that damaged DNA cannot be repaired and mutations build up in the cells' DNA which can cause numerous health problems.

Dr. Tanzi also found that UV radiation can damage cells so badly that they end up producing defective collagen and elastin, both important proteins in the skin. This damage can lead to problems like sagging and wrinkling, as well as slow the healing process in case of injury or trauma.

But it's not just humans who are at risk from tanning beds. Tanning beds, which emit enough radiation to cause skin damage to any animal, are responsible for causing cancer in dogs as well. Research conducted by the University of California in San Diego found that UV-induced skin cancer is a growing concern in dogs and cats. Although tanning has been around for many years and the rates of skin cancer have increased dramatically, it only takes one exposure to a tanning bed for an animal to develop skin damage or cancer.

While most tanning injuries occur on face or head areas, it's important to note that UV-induced skin cancers can occur anywhere on animals' bodies. These tumors can be fatal if they grow or metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body.

Because UV radiation has been linked to human skin cancer and other skin disorders, there is some evidence that dogs and cats exposed to UV-induced skin cancers on humans could develop the same types of problems. Some breeds are more susceptible to early signs of skin damage or cancer from UV rays than others. For instance, research has found that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, often one of the most popular dogs in the U.S., is especially vulnerable to developing these health problems from exposure to UV rays.

Researchers found that 25% of Cavaliers have melanomas on their noses by their first birthday, even though they were not intentionally exposed to tanning beds.

Tanning beds are only supposed to be used in combination with a strong sunscreen when used around the neck or face. In addition, it should never be used on the head, and exposure to tanning beds should be limited to 15 minutes at a time. These types of tanning are also banned in Belgium, Germany, France and many other countries.

Unfortunately, most tanning salons are not regulated by the FDA and therefore can not guarantee safe levels of UV radiation nor can they ensure that their customers wear proper safety gear. Being surrounded by lighted booths is so loud that it can prevent someone from hearing an approaching car or other emergency situation that could result in serious injury or death. And, of course, the tanning is very addictive and people are known to stay in the beds too long, which increases the risk of skin cancer.

If you think your pet has been injured or become ill after exposure to a tanning bed or UV light please contact us today. We have a team of experienced professionals that can help you and your pet get justice.

Learn More About UV Rays... And Tanning Salons!

UV Levels in Tanning Salons

Tanning medicine is dangerous for pets. The ultraviolet rays from tanning salons are deadly for dogs and cats who are not protected by broad-spectrum sunscreens.

Tanning beds emit radiation that can cause cancer and early skin aging. The tanning beds used in tanning salons emit radiation that is up to two times more intense than a solar-bed tanning bed in your home.

Many dogs suffer from burns and skin damage from exposure to UV rays, and some of these injuries can be fatal. In addition, many of these animals are treated with expensive and toxic oral medications to treat the itchy, sunburned skin that develops after exposure. And yet, owners are often unaware that their pets have been exposed to this dangerous sun tanning medicine.

It's important to remember that while your dog can't tell you he's been burned by the UV rays, he will soon develop tell-tale skin problems and may be suffering from secondary infections. If left untreated, these problems could require expensive veterinary care.

Melanoma Skin Cancer in Dogs and Cats

Researchers at the University of California in San Diego have found that UV induced skin cancer is a growing concern in dogs and cats. Even though these animals don't intentionally use tanning beds, some owners do visit tanning salons — or own homes with a solar-powered sun bed. Even one exposure to this sun tanning medicine can cause cancer or other harmful effects when used around the area of the face or neck.

Conclusion

So, even though you don't have a tanning bed in your house, can you rule out the possibility that these UV rays are affecting your dog's skin? You may want to consider talking to your vet about getting your pet checked for any skin problems that may be related to exposure to the sun.

The risk of skin cancer from UV rays is so great that it is important that you watch for symptoms of sun damage or diseases on your pet. It is also important to remember that tanning beds can cause cancer in dogs and cats! The good news is there are safe tanning alternatives and a variety of skin-care products available to help you protect your furry little friend from all the harmful UV rays.