UVB and UVA irradiances from indoor tanning devices

Abstract

Indoor tanning is common in spite of its classification as carcinogenic. Too high an ultraviolet (UV) irradiance and a lack of compliance with regulations have been reported. We measured UV irradiance from a large number of Norwegian solariums (sunbeds and stand-up cabinets) currently in use. Compliance (solariums and facilities) with national regulations and the effect of inspections delegated to local authorities (since 2004) were also studied. In 2008, 78 tanning facilities were selected from six regions throughout Norway that contained municipalities with and without local inspections. UV irradiance was measured with a CCD spectroradiometer in 194 out of 410 inspected solariums. Mean erythema weighted short (280-320 nm) and long (320-400 nm) wave UV irradiances were 0.194 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.184-0.205) and 0.156 (95% CI 0.148-0.164) W m(-2), respectively. Only 23% of the solariums were below the UV type 3 limit (<0.15 W m(-2), short and long wave). Irradiances varied between solariums: spectral UVB (280-315 nm) and UVA (315-400 nm) irradiances were 0.5-3.7 and 3-26 times, respectively, higher than from Oslo summer sun. In total, 89.9% of the tanning facilities were unattended. Overall compliance increased since the first study in 1998-1999, but total UV irradiance did not decrease, mainly because of higher UVA irradiance in 2008. Solariums have become even less similar to natural sun due to higher UVA irradiance. Local inspections gave better compliance with regulations, but irradiances were significantly higher in municipalities with inspections (p ≤ 0.001, compared to without). Unpredictable UV irradiance combined with insufficient customer guidance may give a high risk of negative health effects from solarium use.

Melanoma Epidemiology and Prevention

“…Up to 95-100 % of the body is exposed in a sunbed compared to 15-50 % during outdoor activities [22]. Measurements of modern sunbeds show UV irradiance higher than midday summer sun in Southern Europe and Australia, and exceeding the limits allowed by safety standards/regulations [106] (IARC [111,112]; Gies et al [84]; Nilsen et al [185]; Tierney et al 229). We still do not know which UV wavelengths actually increase melanoma risk.…”

“…We still do not know which UV wavelengths actually increase melanoma risk. The irradiance from modern sunbeds is mainly in the UVA range with a fraction of UVB [67,106] (Gies et al [84]; Nilsen et al [185]), and this is alarming in light of the increased focus on UVA as a carcinogen [82].…”

Epidemiology of Melanoma

“…Population-based investigations found that British residents continued to partake in high-risk behaviors and that men from lower socioeconomic groups were at the greatest risk for UV exposure (107). In Norway and Sweden, national campaigns have also been launched in an effort to address rapid rises in melanoma incidence (104,105). Similar to the United Kingdom and the United States, there has been limited and varied success with their preventative measures (104,105).…”

“…In Norway and Sweden, national campaigns have also been launched in an effort to address rapid rises in melanoma incidence (104,105). Similar to the United Kingdom and the United States, there has been limited and varied success with their preventative measures (104,105). Australia, however, has demonstrated one of the most successful responses to nationwide melanoma prevention efforts (19,108).…”

“…Nationwide efforts to reduce UV exposure have been attempted with variable success across high-incidence countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, Australia, and New Zealand (19,102,104,105). In the United States, the indoor tanning industry accrues $3 billion per year in profit (106).…”