Despite health warnings, tanning salons still attract custom·ers

by Colleen Ehrle assistant arts & entertainment editor

A nice golden tan, which can ultimately result in skin cancer, is coveted by many and the effects are rarely considered. In an age where health appears to be a big concern among the public, it is surprising that many still consider their looks to be a greater priority than the state of their health.

In tl}c early '90s, numerous tanning facilities avoided warning customers about the various adverse effects of the UV radiation given off from the the tanning beds. However, in recent years, tanning salons have provided up front information about the negative aspects of their beds to all their clients.

According to a representative of Tan-Line Sun Studios in Devon, "We provide a verbal explanation of the detrimental consequences of indoor tanning. Likewise, we insist that our clients sign a contract confirm- ing that they are aware of the possible risk involved."

The operation of commercial tanning salons arc regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, these salons are mandated to provide this information.

Both Tan-Line Sun Studios and Tan Your Hyde, located in Paoli, receive a wide variety of customers. Neither have a specific target group. The ages run the gamut from the early teen years to middle age and there is a balance between genders. Most customers are seasonal tanners in the spring and summer months and random holidays and events such as weddings and proms.

Sophomore Andrea Rodgers, is your typical tanner. She enjoys going to the tanning salon, especially for the convenience. She has been a loyal customer of Tan Your Hyde for a little over a year. They offer unlimited tanning for a monthly charge of $75. She usually starts in March and April and contin- ues through July to maintain her color. Special occasions are also a tanning necessity for Rodgers.

"There are several written warnings framed on the walls of my tanning salon with regard to UV damage around the salon and they have also given me verbal caution. They also make sure you wear eye protection," said Rodgers.

Rodgers knows about the damaging results of tanning salons. Nevertheless, she does not consider it a major priority right now. She says she will accept the consequences when they arise.

Tanning is the skin's natural response to UV light. It is a preventive response that protects the skin from further damage by the sun's rays. Sunburn and UV rays from the sun impair the skin. Overexposure of the sun can procure premature wrinkling of the skin. In addition, the UV rays cause more severe health threats. Skin cancer is a direct result from this damage.

Over the years, the cumula- tive amount of sun intake and overexposure resulting in sunburn are the main culprits of skin cancer.

The effects of UV light on the skin depends on both the intensity and the duration of the exposure.

Protection from the sun is key from an early age. People obtain 80 percent of their total lifetime sun exposure by the age of 18. Though one may not have witnessed any physical damage from the sun to their skin. that does not give anyone the OK to relax, skin cancer develops at a fairly slow rate.

Serious use of tanning beds and sunlamps increases the risk acquiring Melanoma, which is one of the most fatal forms of skin cancer.

Melanoma is a skin cancer that is developed in the cells that color the skin (melanocytes). It usually develops in adults. Melanocytes are located in the epidermis. the top layer of skin, and have melanin. which provides pigment for the skin.

According to the Center for Advancement in Cancer Education. approximately 32,000 cases per year are diagnosed in the United States alone. The incidence is increasing at the rate of 4.3 percent per year, which is one of the fastest increases in occurrence rates of all cancers.

In about 2% of occurrences. the disease is present even~ though no skin discoloration occurs. This is called amelanotic melanoma.

In addition to UV rays, heredity and environment also play a big role in developing skin cancer.

If skin cancer runs in one's family or one has fair skin, he or she is at a higher risk.

The reduction of ozone in the atmosphere also contributes. The earth's ozone acts as a filter to sift out and reduce the amount of UV rays from the sun. When there is less atmospheric ozone, there is a greater amount of UV light on the earth ·s surface resulting in more sun exposure.