Sunbeds Cause Damage to your Health and to the Environment

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Sunbeds Cause Damage to your Health and to the Environment

by Reenita Malhotra in Health and Fitness, Skin Care

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While many are becoming increasing aware of the fact that tanning salons can endanger your health, fewer people make the connection to the danger of sunbeds vis-a-vis the planet.

photocredit: zieak

Sun tanning beds are not the best idea for your health or that of the planet

According to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, sunbeds give out harmful UV rays which damage the DNA in our skin cells. Using a sunbed once a month or more can increase your risk of skin cancer by more than half. So when the tan fades, the damage remains. Sunbeds also cause premature skin ageing, which means that your skin becomes coarse, leathery and wrinkled at a younger age.

But that is not where it ends. Sunbeds also contain tanning lamps that sap up huge amounts of energy and hold much more toxic mercury than a normal fluorescent tube. Now imagine what that means when it comes to disposal!

So if you are interested in prolonging your health as well as that of the planet, ditch your tanning salon in favor of some natural sunlight. It’s a great way to get that tan and build your natural Vitamin D intake at the same time.

Posted on Oct 20, 2009

Tags:

skin cancer, skincare, sunbeds, tanning lamps, tanning salons, Vitamin D

About the Author

Reenita Malhotra

Reenita Malhotra Hora is an Ayurveda clinician and freelance writer. Native to Mumbai, she resides in San Francisco with her husband and two kids where she helps people to achieve their wellness goals. Reenita writes for a variety of sustainability media including Green Options, Green Living Ideas, National Geographic Kids, SustainLane and more. Check out her wisdom at www.reenita.com.

One Response to “Sunbeds Cause Damage to your Health and to the Environment”

Patrick

Oct 21, 2009

Tanning beds are one of those ideas that I just never understood. There is no reason to hurt yourself along with the environment just to change the way you look. Be proud of your skins tone, regardless of whether it’s too light.