Alaska is known as the "Land of the midnight sun", but there isn't a whole lot of sunshine at midnight, even on the longest day of the year. Still, it is possible to get a tan outdoors in the summer, and even serious sun burn if you are not careful. Surprisingly, people do experience burns in cooler seasons due to sunlight reflected off snow and water. In 2001, the indoor tanning industry was nearly a $5 billion industry nationwide (Looking Fit Magazine, 09/01/2007), although the amount of business in Alaska is unknown in part because there are no requirements to register tanning beds with the state.
Alaska currently has no regulations specific to indoor tanning, although there is statutory authority to regulate the industry. A wide variation has been found in the quality of tanning services in the state so that consumers must be fully informed and use caution when considering this activity. If regulations were to be adopted those in the indoor tanning industry must be involved in the process. At this time there has been minimal visible indication of interest in pursuing regulation of indoor tanning in Alaska. Given the poor quality of the worst facilities, and the taint of all salons by their example, it could be helpful to establish higher safety levels and a more professional status if such legislation were pursued by reputable vendors. There have been several complaints filed with the Department of Health as a result of burns received during indoor tanning sessions. NOTE: See DISCLAIMER.
Tanning facilities have two new options available to them as a result of changes within the Department of Health, Radiological Health Program. You may request a courtesy evaluation of your facility, equipment, and procedures, and if there is substantial compliance with industry standards of practice a certificate of inspection will be issued. In addition, there is now a six (6) hour course in the Basics of Tanning which may be scheduled for presentation to your staff. The course is also designed to conform to tanning industry standards. There is a test at the end of the course, and operators who pass the test are provided a certificate attesting to completion of the training. If a participant does not wish to take the test a certificate of attendance only is issued.
GOING FOR THE GOLD?
Alaska is not usually thought of as a sunshine state, but Alaskans do travel outside to
sunnier climates in the winter. One common method used to cope with winter blues
or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is to use bright lights, and/or tanning equipment, to mimic the brighter environments to the south. Tanning beds to treat SAD are not a standard medical practice, but those are perceptions of some consumers. This brochure is intended to help guide consumers who may use tanning equipment to be aware of the risks so that they use it in as safe a manner as possible. Exposure to ultraviolet light may be useful for treatment of certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, but medical ultraviolet sources are different and should never be used for tanning purposes. Whether or not it is advisable for any individual to use it is a matter that should be determined by consultation with your personal licensed physician.
The tanning process is achieved by exposure of the body to ultraviolet radiation sufficiently to cause changes in the skin. The two portions of the electromagnetic spectrum which provide useful ultraviolet radiation are in the range of 280-320 nm, called UVB, and 320-400 nm which is called UVA in the United States. Other countries define these limits differently, which contributes to some of the confusion regarding lamp recommendations.
There is a benefit to ultraviolet radiation exposure for many people. Solar ultraviolet radiation contributes to the formation of a substance in human skin that is metabolized and activated in the body to form an important "vitamin" (hormone), vitamin D. No independent research has been published at this time which indicates the emissions from a sun lamp, which utilizes a modified spectrum of the energies from sun light, also results in the production of vitamin D.
Tanning equipment may give you a tan, but the ultraviolet radiation it emits may also:
*Donald Nodler, of the Kentucky Radiation Control program stated in 1985 that over 20,000 tanning bed injuries occur each year nationwide.
In order to minimize the likelihood of injury when using tanning equipment you should:
Indoor tanning forums on the internet provide interesting and informative material that may be of value to those who want to tan as well as those who want to start a tanning business. Some of the popular boards may be found at Tanning Forums.
It is always a good idea to check yourself regularly for signs of skin cancer. There are several kinds of skin cancer, but the most deadly is malignant melanoma. Fortunately, it is also the least common form, and if it is caught early it is often curable.
These rules of safety apply whether you are using your own equipment at home, or visiting a commercial tanning facility. If the facility you visit does not provide instruction and guidance on all these items you should go to a facility that does.
In addition to the effects of ultraviolet exposure, tanning equipment that is not properly maintained can contribute to*:
American Academy of Dermatology
930 North Meacham Road
P.O. Box 4014
Schaumburg, IL 60168-4014
888-462-DERM
American Academy of Dermatology
For additional information from the State of Alaska contact the Radiological Health Program.
