Ultraviolet Radiation Emitted by Tanning Beds Causes DNA Mutations

UVA1 wavelengths, like UVB wavelengths, induce carcinogenic skin damage.

In 2009, the World Health Organization declared tanning beds to be carcinogens (JW Dermatol Jul 30 2009), based largely on epidemiologic evidence. The tanning bed industry countered, using marketing practices remarkably like those employed by tobacco manufacturers (J Am Acad Dermatol 2010; 62:685). Solar-radiation–related mutation is primarily attributed to effects of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. The tanning industry claimed that the UVA1 wavelengths used in indoor tanning are safer. These investigators sought molecular evidence that the UVA1 radiation emitted by tanning beds also causes mutations in DNA.

They exposed small areas of the skin of 12 healthy volunteers (Fitzpatrick sun-reactive skin types I and II) to UVA1 or UVB radiation at…

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)