Solarium has been in increasing demand in Turkey as the most economical way of rapid tanning in the world, as well as in the world. Considering that tanning is still out of fashion in the world and there is a great demand for solarium among young people, a health policy should be established in this regard, considering the risk of developing cancer in older ages. has come to the fore.
Artificial UV lamps used in solariums emit 95% UVA and 5% UVB rays. While UVA rays are more effective in skin aging, UVB rays are held responsible for skin cancers and melanoma formation. The relationship between UV radiation and skin cancer is very simple. As the exposure to UV radiation increases, the risk of developing skin cancer also increases, and the skin ages faster. In particular, devices introduced as fast or 10-minute tanning devices are quite unhealthy as they emit very high doses of UV light and should be avoided. In a review published in 2012, it was noted that the use of solarium under the age of 35 increases the risk of developing melanoma by 87 percent, and the risk of melanoma increases as the number of annual uses increases, and it is estimated that the number of melanomas expected to develop will increase since the emergence of the carcinogenic effect requires a process of 10-15 years.
The World Health Organization stated that ultraviolet solarium devices cause cancer in many people, and the International Cancer Research Center determined the solarium as Class 1 carcinogen in 2009.
In the light of all this information, it is not possible to mention that solariums provide completely healthy tanning. The risk is even higher in salons that have relatively cheap session prices compared to the market, especially when the filters and bulbs are not changed on time, and the filters are removed and used. In addition, the risk of developing skin cancer depends on many factors such as skin type, age, total dose and number of sessions, and moles in the body.
The first ban on solarium in the world started to be implemented in Brazil, and then in many countries such as Belgium, Austria, Germany, Spain, Canada and in many states of Australia, the use of solarium for those under the age of 18 was prohibited. In the state of Illinois in the USA, since January 2014, those under the age of 18 cannot enter the solarium even with the permission of their parents.
In Turkey, the Ministry of Health has been carrying out a similar study since 2010. In the regulation, which is expected to come into force as of January 2015, the use of solariums under the age of 18 will be prohibited, and users over the age of 18 will be allowed to use the solarium consciously by signing a consent form, and the standardization of solarium centers will be rearranged.
The point to be considered here should be to establish the following awareness in people; Of course, using the solarium a few times does not cause cancer, but knowing the health effects and risks of the solarium, a solarium should be used. It is necessary for those who use solarium to be informed about all possible health and side effects and the development of cancer.
Who should not apply the solarium;
Type 1, those with sensitive skin, those under the age of 18, those with multiple moles, those with a history of frequent sunburn in childhood, those with premalignant or malignant skin lesions, those with sun-related spots and scars on their skin, those who use cosmetic products, and those who use drugs.
