The Effects of TanningSome people may not know this, but your risk of developing skin cancer is three times more likely if you use a tanning bed (Lazovich et al 1). You may think tanning will make you look or feel better, but the risks far outweigh the benefits. Tanning can cause skin cancer, depression and anxiety, and there is little public awareness of the risks. To understand how we tan or get sunburned, we need to learn about ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet radiation is made up of three different wavelengths: UVA, UVB and UVC. These different types of radiation are classified according to their wavelengths, which can be measured by how deep they penetrate your skin and how far they travel (ultraviolet 1 radiation). UVA rays have the longest wavelength. They travel 360 miles to 460 miles. This type of radiation penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. It is also the type of radiation believed to cause premature aging and skin cancer. These rays are present in winter and throughout the day. Although UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, they are not as intense as UVB rays. UVA rays are less intense than UVB because they are less absorbed by your DNA, causing less dangerous mutations. Like less dangerous forms of skin cancer. This type of radiation can also pass through glass (ultraviolet 1 radiation). UVB rays constitute the middle range of UV radiation. These wavelengths travel from 333 miles to 368 miles. This type of radiation also causes tanning, wrinkles and burns. It also plays an important role in the development of skin cancer. Time of day when UVB rays are most present between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. between the months of April and October. These...... middle of paper...... tanning beds. Tanning beds are currently classified as Class I medical devices. Items in this category also include tongue depressors and elastic bandages. The Food and Drug Administration has proposed to Congress that tanning beds be classified as Class II or Class III devices. This change would impose higher taxes on tanning beds. In the health reform bill, signed by President Obama, there was a 10% tax increase on the use of tanning beds. This increase was implemented because teenagers have less spending money than adults and the increase in money would discourage teenagers from using tanning beds. The Federal Trade Commission has also been stricter on the marketing of indoor tanning. Recently, in January 2010, the Indoor Tanning Association marketed false health and safety claims in their advertisements, and the Federal Trade Commission asked them to remove the advertisement(Szabo 1).