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13 October 2008

Answer to Question #2470 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Suntanning

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

Does a tanning bed cause skin cancer? If so, how long would you have to stay inside the tanning booth for it to cause cancer?

Most, if not all, tanning beds produce harmful UV (ultraviolet) radiation, mimicking the sun. This radiation is known to cause skin cancer.

Conclusion: Sufficient exposure in a tanning bed carries a significant chance of getting skin cancer. It is not known how long one must use a tanning bed to get this amount of UV exposure.

S. Julian Gibbs, DDS, PhD

Answer posted on 9 April 2003. 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.