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19 July 2008

Answer to Question #1829 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Suntanning

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Is tanning in a tanning bed harmful to a guy's sperm?

The risk from tanning beds is UV, or ultraviolet, radiation. UV is low energy as compared to x rays. Thus, it does not penetrate to any significant depth in the body. There is little or no risk to spermatogenesis or sperm. However, there is risk of skin cancer, just as from the sun. Most skin cancers are cured by surgery or radiation. However, a few are melanomas, which can be lethal. Thus a "healthy" tan can be very unhealthy. Julian S. Gibbs, DDS, PhD

Answer posted on 17 April 2002. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.