Are you dying to be dark? The deadly secrets of tanning will be revealed in this presentation. By: Christine M., Adrianne S., Amanda C., & Jordyn B.

Table of Contents *Pros *Cons *Sunlight *Skin Types *Facts *Solutions *Bibliography

The Pros of Tanning Controlled exposure to UV rays may minimize some of the health risks that simply cannot be controlled when sunbathing outdoors. Early results indicate that some positive effects of UV exposure include: decreasing blood pressure, lowers resting heart rate, increases cardiac output, increases energy and endurance, and increases muscular strength. UVB is known to be our primary source of vitamin D which assists in the absorption of calcium. Vitamin D is also believed to reduce risks of colon cancer and breast cancer. The main source of vitamin D for most people is ultraviolet light. Don’t worry, getting some sun is good for your health and vitality!

Cons The bulbs in tanning booths produce UVA type rays. UVA rays cause skin tanning, age spots, wrinkling of the skin, and contributing to the development of skin cancer. Recent laboratory evidence demonstrate that sunlamps and sun beds do cause DNA damage. The risks of tanning by artificial ultraviolet light include: sunburn, premature aging of the skin, skin cancer, retinal damage, formation of cataracts, suppression of the immune system, damage to the vascular system, improper sanitation of tanning devices.

Sunlight Sunlight is made up of numerous waves or rays. One type of a ray is called visible light. Visible light waves are the only electromagnetic wave we can see which is why it is called “visible” light. However, we are not harmed from visible light because the dangerous rays are blocked by the ozone layer. A type of light we are harmed by is ultraviolet light. We are harmed by ultraviolet light because it is not completely blocked by the ozone layer. Ultraviolet rays have a lot of harmful effects besides damaging your skin. Some effects include blindness, and the destroying of plants. Ultraviolet light is divided into three types. The three types are UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA waves are only slightly blocked by the ozone layer. The bulbs in tanning salons produce UVA type rays. UVA rays cause age spots and wrinkling of the skin. UVB rays are not completely blocked by the ozone. UVB rays cause sun burn, basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell cancer, and malignant melanoma. UVC, the third type of UV light, does not reach the earths surface, it is completely blocked by the ozone layer.

Skin Types The pigment or color of the skin is the most important defense to help protect form ultraviolet rays. A type of skin cell called melanocyte produces a chemical called melanin. Melanin is a chemical that determines the color of your skin. The melanin protects your skin from the effects of ultraviolet light. When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet light your skin is injured and takes action by making more melanin which causes your skin to tan. There are different skin types. Skin types one, two and three are at great risk in the sun. Skin Type: 1.Pale White SkinAlways burns; never tans 2. White SkinBurns easily; hardly tans 3. White (average)Burns fairly ; tans turn to light brown 4. Lightly Tanned Does not burn easily; tans well 5. TannedRarely burns; tans darkly 6. Dark brown Never burns; deeply pigmented

Facts *1.3 million new cases of skin cancer cases are likely to be detected this year *7,700 people die from Melanoma, a type of skin cancer. *All of the tanning symptoms do not show up until many years after you are exposed to the sun.

There are many helpful solutions to prevent getting skin cancer from tanning. Even though a tan can be harmful it is your body’s natural protection against sunburn. Your skin is designed to tan, and your body is designed to repair sun damage. Tips to Avoid Sun Damage: Plan your outdoor activities to avoid the sun’s strongest rays. Avoid the sun between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. Wear protective coverings such as, hats, long pants, and long sleeved shirts to reduce sun exposure. Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV ray protection. When outdoors, always remember to wear sun screen and apply it 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Summary/Opinion In conclusion, tanning is very unhealthy due to the strong UVA rays. Tanning can cause skin cancer, wrinkles, sunburn, a damaging effect on the immune system, and a leathery appearance. To avoid these effects, everyday you should put on SPF 15 sunscreen or higher. This will keep you looking younger and healthier. Our opinion is that tanning is good for your appearance when younger, but we always make sure that we wear sunscreen! Don’t soak in the sun for too long! When were older we definitely don’t want to have wrinkles!

Bibliography * * ning.htmlhttp:// ning.html * * * * *also from the magazine, NoTeenTanning, scholastic Action, Vol. 28, Issue 2