Rays.If you're thinking of hitting the tanning salon, you may be out of luck. A new California law California Law consists of 29 codes, covering various subject areas, the State Constitution and Statutes. See also
Why do lawmakers care about your tan? Like the sun, tanning beds emit ultraviolet (UV) rays. When these invisible energy waves hit your skin, they can damage its DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. (chemical that carries hereditary information), increasing your risk for skin cancer. Despite UV warnings, many people are still ray-seekers. Why? They may be UV addicts. Steve Feldman, a dermatologist (skin doctor) at Wake Forest University, believes UV rays cause the skin to release anti-pain agents called endorphins endorphins (ĕndôr`fĭnz), neurotransmitters found in the brain that have pain-relieving properties similar to morphine. There are three major types of endorphins: beta endorpins, found primarily in the pituitary gland; and enkephalins and , which make tanners feel relaxed. "It seems that frequent tanners are doing it for the buzz," he says. To keep from getting hooked on harmful UV rays, think before you roast. Did You Know? * According to the American Academy of Dermatology The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is the largest organization of dermatologists in the world. The Academy grants Fellowships and Associate Memberships, as well as Fellowships for Nonresidents (of the United States of America or Canada). , nearly half of all new cancer cases in the United States each year are skin cancers. It is estimated that more than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. * Exposure to UV radiation causes photoaging pho·to·ag·ing n. 1. The process by which skin is changed or damaged as a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight and other sources. 2. , or premature aging of the skin. People who sunbathe sun·bathe intr.v. sun·bathed, sun·bath·ing, sun·bathes To expose the body to the sun. sun regularly can show signs of photoaging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin, before age 30. Resources * For extensive information about sun protection, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SunWise Program at: www.epa.gov/sunwise/ * Read about the dangers of tanning beds at: www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/tanning.html * To learn more about tanning addiction, read: www.4woman.gov/News/English/519998.htm |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion