Re: are there standards in sunlamps use for tan ?

You ask: Are there safety standards for the sunlamps used for tanning?

Short answer: There are some standards in some countries; but the standards do not mean that the use of sunlamps for tanning is safe.

It has been known for years that the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun that causes tanning (and sun burn) can be harmful. This UV radiation can cause skin cancer, premature skin aging, and eye damage. There is no reason to think that the UV radiation from sunlamps is any safer.

The incidence of skin cancer has been rising over the years, and this increase is believed to be due to increasing unprotected exposure to UV radiation from the sun, from tanning beds, and from sun lamps.

Therefore, any unnecessary exposure to UV radiation should be seen as potentially hazardous.

The general advice from health authorities all over the world is:

• Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds except under the direction of a qualified medical professional (there are some legitimate medical uses for sunlamps).
• Avoid outdoor activities when the sun is strongest.
• Wear protective clothing (broad-brimmed hats, long pants, long-sleeved shirts) when outside in strong sun.
• Use sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.
• Use high SPF sunscreen.

Despite the known hazards of deliberate exposure to UV radiation, I know of no jurisdictions that prohibit the use of sunlamps or tanning beds. But some jurisdictions regulate use of sunlamps or tanning beds. For an example of a national regulatory scheme, see the regulations of the Swedish Radiation Protection Institute:
http://www.ssi.se/forfattning/PDF_Eng/1998-2e.pdf

Where there are regulations on sun lamp use, they usually contain some of the following:

• Requirements for timers, so that the device shuts off if the user falls asleep.
• Requiring the use of eye protection.
• Equipment to prevent unintentional direct or reflected exposure of bystanders.
• Requirement of a license for commercial use.
• Informing users of the known and potential hazards of UV exposure.
• Warnings that certain medications and medical conditions can increase danger of UV exposure.

For further information see:

• A fact sheet from the American Academy of Dermatology:
  http://www.aad.org/pamphlets/darker.html
• A fact sheet from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:
  http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/tanning.html

John Moulder
Radiation Biologist