Wednesday, October 22, 2008
What is UV Radiation?
Hey readers....I created this blog to explain to you what effect tanning can cause.....So before I can sit here and discuss the harmful effects of tanning equipment and increased sun exposure, one should first be familiar with the components of ultraviolet light and how it can affect your skin. Sunlight contains two different types of ultraviolet (UV) light. UVA and UVB. UVA rays consist of longer wavelength that penetrate deep into the dermal layer of skin. Limited exposure to UVA rays causes skin to tan, however, most experts agree that overexposure to UVA can lead to long-term skin damage. UVB rays wavelengths are much shorter, affecting the outer most layer of skin. "Burning Rays" are know as UVB rays and are very dangerous. Tanning beds and sun lamps generally emit 93%-99% UVA radiation. That is 3 times the UVA radiation given off by the sun!
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4 comments:
Hello, Leslie. Just in case you're wondering, I'm your prof. Thanks for sending me the link to your blog.
This is a fine first post: a good introduction to the physiology of tanning. I'm curious about something, though. You end up talking about tanning beds; is that something your research will address in some way? It's okay if you don't know yet--I'm just wondering.
Again: good start.
Yes, my research will explain how indoor tanning is worse than just sitting outside. I will also prove that tanning beds are more likely to damage one's eyes and burn the skin easier because one is in such a confined closed area. Plus tanning beds are not approved for all people like pregnant women, people on certian medication or people with certain illness.
Leslie,
Okay. Given the risks of tanning beds, what do you think should be done, if anything, about their use and/or the people who manufacture them and those who run tanning salons? You may already know that a few years ago the California legislature has passed a law regulating the tanning industry--one that some say is insufficient; you may also know that the tanning industry (tanning bed manufacturers and the owners of tanning salons) is pretty well organized to oppose those who would seek to impose regulations on the use of these beds. (I know a little about this topic already because a former student wrote on this same topic a couple of semesters ago.) What do you think about all that?
My point: as you've already noted, tanning beds give off far more UVA rays and can cause injury. But, so what? Those are "just" facts--merely stating them doesn't tell an audience, even, whether these things matter enough to fix them in some way--or, as the tanning industry argues, to do nothing at all.
In your opinion, what can/should be done about all this that isn't already being done? Why? Is your proposal reasonable enough that the tanning industry will go along with it? There may be pending legislation or proposals for regulation that you'll want to look for and, if it exists, examine and address in your research essay.
Congratulations Miss. Waldschmidt! Thank you so much for taking the time to share this exciting information.
Tan
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