Should Tanning Salon Employees be regulated on how much they tan Research Paper

Should Tanning Salon Employees be regulated on how much they tan - Research Paper Example Tanning salon employees are there to show how to safely tan, and therefore should be careful on what impression they give to the customers. In this case, it seems sensible that they are regulated on how much they tan personally in order to set this good example for their customers and to help protect the health of those that use sunless tanning to achieve their glow. One of the biggest reasons for this discussion is that tanning beds are extremely dangerous. Just some of the risks include skin cancer (including malignant melanoma), cataracts, immune system suppression and early signs of skin aging (Mawn & Fleischer, 1993). There are, of course, benefits to this, in that it can provide vitamin D to those who do not live in sunny climates, and some suggest that they boost mood (Woo & Eide, 2010). A light tan also provides around SPF 4 to the individual, meaning that in small doses it could be protective against the sun’s UV rays (Ting et al, 2007). It also helps the wearer to feel more comfortable in their own skin and to fit in with fashion. Young people are particularly at risk from the dangers of tanning beds and tanning booths, because they are biologically more vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV radiation (Ting et al, 2007). Young people are also the group most likely to use tanning beds because of the coercive effects of images of celebrities with golden tans. The dangers of this increased use amongst young people is shown in the fact that melanoma skin cancer is increasing at a huge rate in the 15-29 age group and much faster in females than in males (Mawn & Fleischer, 1993). 24% of non-Hispanic white young people between the ages of 13 and 19 have reported using a sunbed (Geller et al, 2002). In many states, this is being combat by introducing regulations about the age at which one can first use a sunbed,