Artificial Tanning Research Articles

Ultraviolet radiation from solariums: the main problems of measurement and evaluation of results

Introduction. Artificial tanning is now considered a public health issue. There is strong evidence linking tanning bed use to the risk of skin cancer. One measure to reduce the health risks associated with artificial tanning is to control exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Assessing the compliance of UV solariums with hygienic standards requires solving two main problems – methodological and instrumental support for the measurements taken. The purpose of the study was to substantiate methodological approaches to measuring UVR irradiance in solariums. Material and methods. Regulatory and methodological documents, as well as literary sources devoted to the issues of conducting UVR measurements of solariums and the criteria for assessing their compliance, were analyzed. To justify the conditions and scope of research, measurements of the energy illumination of the UVR of a mini-solarium, and pilot studies in a vertical turbo solarium using a UV Radiometer were carried out. Results. According to the results of UVR measurements at the minimum possible distance from the radiating block of the mini-solarium, the highest values ​​of energy illumination in all ranges were obtained at the central point, which was also confirmed by the results of scanning the radiating surface. Analysis of the research results in a vertical turbo solarium at a distance of 0.3 m from the central vertical axis of the solarium showed that the highest values ​​of energy illumination for the two blocks were obtained at different heights (1.0 m and 0.5 m from the supporting surface), which confirms the need to carry out measurements at several points along the height of each radiating block. Limitations. The results of the study can only be used when measuring the irradiance of ultraviolet radiation in solariums using UV radiometers. Conclusion. The proposed methodological approaches make it possible to measure the energy illumination of ultraviolet radiation in places where solariums are used, process and format of the results obtained, and evaluate them for compliance with current hygienic standards. Issues arised when carrying out measurements and assessing energy illumination in the spectral region of 200–400 nm when examining solariums are identified.

Transcriptome analysis in mouse skin after exposure to ultraviolet radiation from a canopy sunbed.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV-R), from both natural and artificial tanning, heightens the risk of skin cancer by inducing molecular changes in cells and tissues. Despite established transcriptional alterations at a molecular level due to UV-R exposure, uncertainties persist regarding UV radiation characterization and subsequent genomic changes. Our study aimed to mechanistically explore dose- and time-dependent gene expression changes, that may drive short-term (e.g., sunburn) and long-term actinic (e.g., skin cancer) consequences. Using C57BL/6N mouse skin, we analyzed transcriptomic expression following exposure to five erythemally weighted UV-R doses (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mJ/cm2) emitted by a UV-R tanning device. At 96 h post-exposure, 5 mJ/cm2 induced 116 statistically significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with structural changes from UV-R damage. The highest number of significant gene expression changes occurred at 6 and 48 h post-exposure in the 20 and 40 mJ/cm2 dose groups. Notably, at 40 mJ/cm2, 13 DEGs related to skin barrier homeostasis were consistently perturbed across all timepoints. UV-R exposure activated pathways involving oxidative stress, P53 signaling, inflammation, biotransformation, skin barrier maintenance, and innate immunity. This invivo study's transcriptional data offers mechanistic insights into both short-term and potential non-threshold-dependent long-term health effects of UV-R tanning.

CHARACTERIZATION OF CUTANEOUS MELANOMA: CARCINOGENESIS BEYOND ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer due to its metastatic potential, and its incidence has increased considerably in recent decades. Sun exposure to ultraviolet A and B irradiation remains the main risk factor for the development of this type of cancer, however, other factors involved are family history, artificial tanning, melanocytic nevi, and low phototype and feomelanin photosensitization by visible light (VL). Through early diagnostic detection of the malignant lesion, it is possible to initiate therapy in an early and curative way, increasing survival with a subsequent decrease in the overall mortality rate. Advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapy have changed treatment paradigms and improved the prognosis of late-stage disease. Due to the high prevalence of the disease worldwide, the purpose of this review was to characterize the cutaneous melanoma (epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, clinic, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, prevention and psychosocial aspects) such as prevention of the melanocytes against Visible Light (VL).

Risk communication of tanning salon companies: Qualitative content analysis of web-based information on health risks of artificial tanning

Risk communication of tanning salon companies: Qualitative content analysis of web-based information on health risks of artificial tanning

Factors associated with sunbed use among 3692 outpatients in 18 centers of the Italian Cancer League (LILT)

Indoor tanning is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. Nonetheless, its use is still widespread. We aimed to investigate the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of sunbed users in a group of participants in the skin cancer prevention campaign organized by the Italian Cancer League (LILT). During almost 2 years, 4409 individuals were screened in 18 centers. Participants reported having used sunbeds before the age of 15 years in 2.2% of cases, while after age 15 the prevalence of use was 22.2%. Participants with complete information were 3692. Sunbed users aged > 15 years were significantly more frequently females, young, living in Northern Italy, highly educated, and current or former smokers. They had darker phototype, more common nevi, had used sunbeds more frequently before the age of 15, reported a history of sunburns, and use of sunscreens. Indoor tanning is an important public health issue and a relevant target for primary prevention. However, not all countries have adopted the recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) on health risks associated with artificial tanning. A deeper insight into the topic may contribute to identify the best prevention strategies.

Mapping Melanoma with Google – A Record Breaking Summer and Insights into Public Awareness Using Google Trends

Introduction: UK melanoma incidence is continuing to rise, resulting in a growing economic burden to the NHS and wider economy. Public awareness campaigns have aimed to tackle this issue, yet the real-world impact on the UK population is poorly understood. Google Trends is a tool that identifies search interest patterns by keywords, incidence and geography. The study aim is to characterise UK and international search trends for skin cancer, tanning methods and sun protection. Methods: Google Trends was systematically searched using terms associated with artificial UV tanning, sun protection and skin lesions, including cancer. The searches compared the UK to Australia and the USA (2004-2018). Results: Search terms of artificial UV tanning (“sunbed”, “tanning bed” and “tanning salon”) peak annually during May, whereas the highest volume of searches for sun prophylaxis (“sun cream”, “sunscreen”, “sun protection”) and skin lesions (“mole”, “skin cancer”) occurs during June. Troughs appear from November to January. Australia and the USA’s sun protection searches occur before summer peaks. Conclusions: Skin cancer-related searches occur on a predictable cycle, peaking during summer and declining over winter. The UK interest in tanning peaks during late spring/early summer, not traditionally targeted for campaigning, whilst skin cancer searches peak mid-to-late summer. This is likely post-sun damage. Australians search for skin cancer advice in their spring, supporting their well-studied culture of skin cancer awareness. These lessons can inform UK health policy. Google Trends is useful for characterising search interest, which may reflect public awareness.

Damage of the ocular surface from indoor suntanning—Insights from in vivo confocal microscopy

PurposeTo evaluate the ocular surface at the microstructural level of adults who habitually undertake indoor-suntanning utilising in vivo confocal microscopy. MethodsParticipants were prospectively recruited and enrolled into either а study group (n = 75) with a history UV indoor tanning, or a control group (n = 75) with no prior history of artificial tanning. The study group participated in voluntary tanning sessions performed with standard equipment and maintained their usual routine for eye protection. Slit lamp biomicroscopy and in vivo confocal microscopy were performed at baseline before undertaking a series of suntanning sessions (10 sessions of 10 min duration over a 15 day period), within three days after the last session, and four weeks after the last session. Control group participants were examined at baseline and 8 weeks later and did not participate in tanning sessions. ResultsAll participants were female with a mean age of 25 ± 4 years and 24 ± 4 years in the study and control groups, respectively. No clinically significant changes were observed in either group over time using slit lamp biomicroscopy (all p ≥ 0.05), however, statistically significant differences were observed between the study and the control group for all corneal layers imaged using confocal microscopy (all p ≤ 0.03). Characteristic cystic conjunctival lesions with dark centres and bright borders were observed in 95% of the study group before and in 100% after the suntanning sessions. ConclusionIndoor suntanning resulted in statistically significant microstructural changes in the cornea and the bulbar conjunctiva that are undetectable with slit lamp biomicroscopy.

Untargeted and Targeted Metabolomics Profiling of Muscle Reveals Enhanced Meat Quality in Artificial Pasture Grazing Tan Lambs via Rescheduling the Rumen Bacterial Community.

Tan is a local fat-tail sheep that is famous for its great eating quality but with little attention to its meat metabolome. The aim of this study was to investigate Tan-lamb meat metabolome as well as the key rumen bacteria related to the beneficial compound deposition in the muscle using untargeted and targeted metabolomics under different feeding regimes: indoor feeding (F), artificial pasture grazing with indoor feeding (GF), and pure artificial pasture grazing (G). The untargeted metabolome was detected by ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Ruminal bacterial communities were detected by 16S rRNA sequencing. Using untargeted metabolomics, the main three altered metabolic pathways in the lamb, including amino acid, lipid, and nucleotide metabolisms, were found in the G group compared to the GF and F groups. Increased N-acetyl-l-aspartic acid, N-acetylaspartylglutamate, acetylcarnitine, and l-carnitine, but decreased carnosine and creatinine, were the main newly found G group-associated metabolites, which might contribute to the improved lamb meat functional quality. Compared to the F group, the G group feeding increased the contents of sweet amino acids (e.g., glycine, alanine, serine, and threonine) and umami amino acids (e.g., glutamic acid and aspartic acid) in the muscle, and G and GF groups increased the level of meat polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), especially the concentration of n3 PUFA, and reduced n6/n3 in the muscle by targeted metabolomics. The abundance of ruminal Moryella was decreased, and Schwartzia and Anaeroplasma were increased in the G group, which were both strongly correlated with the n3 PUFA and other functional compounds in the muscle of lambs. In conclusion, artificial pasture grazing modified the meat amino acid and fatty acid composition as well as the related biological pathways through rescheduling the rumen bacterial community, which would be a better selection for production of healthier lamb meat products.

European interdisciplinary guideline on invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: Part 1. epidemiology, diagnostics and prevention

Invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common cancers in the white populations, accounting for 20% of all cutaneous malignancies. Factors implicated in cSCC etiopathogenesis include ultraviolet radiation exposure and chronic photoaging, age, male sex, immunosuppression, smoking and genetic factors. A collaboration of multidisciplinary experts from the European Dermatology Forum (EDF), the European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO) and the European Organisation of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) was formed to update recommendations on cSCC classification, diagnosis, risk stratification, staging and prevention, based on current literature, staging systems and expert consensus. Common cSCCs are typically indolent tumors, and most have a good prognosis with 5-year cure rates of greater than 90%, and a low rate of metastases (<4%). Further risk stratification into low-risk or high-risk common primary cSCC is recommended based on proposed high-risk factors. Advanced cSCC is classified as locally advanced (lacSCC), and metastatic (mcSCC) including locoregional metastatic or distant metastatic cSCC. Current systems used for staging include the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) 8th edition, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) system. Physical examination for all cSCCs should include total body skin examination and clinical palpation of lymph nodes, especially of the draining basins. Radiologic imaging such as ultrasound of the regional lymph nodes, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) scans are recommended for staging of high-risk cSCC. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is currently not recommended. Nicotinamide, oral retinoids, and topical 5-FU have been used for the chemoprevention of subsequent cSCCs in high-risk patients but are not routinely recommended. Education about sun protection measures including reducing sun exposure, use of protective clothing, regular use of sunscreens and avoidance of artificial tanning, is recommended.

Analysis of Internet searches using Google Trends to measure interest in sun protection and skin cancer in selected South-East Asian populations.

Analysis of Internet search trends has been performed to evaluate interest in sun protection, artificial tanning, and skin cancers among the public, particularly in Western countries. This observational study aimed to investigate the relative popularity of search terms relating to sun protection, sunburn, skin cancers, and tanning used in Google Trends® in three South-East Asian countries (Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia). The relevant search terms were queried using the Google Trends® in each location and worldwide. The search volume indices were compared between locations and over a time period from January 1, 2004, to January 31, 2019. Correlations between "sunblock" and "sunburn" as well as "sunblock" and search terms relating to skin cancers ("skin cancer," "melanoma," "basal cell carcinoma," and "squamous cell carcinoma") were evaluated. The favored search term relating to sun protection in this region was "sunblock" despite the term itself being a misnomer. The relative popularity of searches for "sunblock" also showed an increase over time and was generally higher compared with interest in sunburn, skin cancers, and artificial tanning practices. Positive correlations were noted between "sunblock" and "sunburn" in Malaysia and "sunblock" and "melanoma" in Singapore. Insights into search trends may assist public health promotion to raise awareness regarding sun protection and skin cancers in the region by targeting commonly used terms for each geographical location.

Sunbeds and carcinogenesis: the need for new regulations and restrictions in Europe from the Euromelanoma perspective.

Experimental investigations have definitely assessed that ultraviolet A (UVA) as well as ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induce mutagenic DNA photoproducts and other cell damages with a carcinogenic potential. Artificial tanning increases significantly the lifetime risk for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma particularly in subjects with fair skin type, subjects with a history of skin cancer or frequent childhood sunburn or if exposures took place at an age younger than 18years. In addition, experimental and clinical evidence indicate that UVA exposure promotes skin photoageing. Therefore we are dealing with a recreational activity (for customers) and a profitable business (for the tanning industry) with human costs, i.e. an increase in morbidity and mortality by skin cancer, and health and social costs leading to an increased expenditure by the European national health systems. In a few European countries, legislation has recently prohibited the use of sunbeds for minors, pregnant women, people with skin cancer or a history of skin cancer and individuals who do not tan or who burn easily from sun exposure. However, this legislation seems to be insufficient from a photobiological perspective, and importantly, it is largely disregarded by consumers and tanning industry. Therefore the Euromelanoma group proposes a new, more stringent regulation for the tanning industry and restrictions for customers, particularly for those individuals with constitutional and anamnestic risk factors. Finally, we ask for an enhanced commitment to increase the awareness of the general population on the risk of artificial tanning.

Who, why, where: an overview of determinants of sunbed use in Europe

Although exposure to indoor tanning has been established as a clear risk factor for skin cancer, sunbeds are still commonly used in Europe. Understanding the determinants of sunbed use in Europe is key to plan educational interventions, behavioural strategies and legislative measures, which should be tailored to subgroups with different risk profiles. Evidences show that the typical sunbed users in Europe are young-adult women, with intermediate skin type, a current employment and a medium/high socio-economic status. Typical users display sun-seeking behaviours and other risky behaviours such as smoking. Indoor tanning seems more common in northern than southern Europe. However, sunbed use remains common in fair-skinned individuals and among adolescents/pre-adolescents. Commonly reported reasons for sunbed use in Europe include aesthetic motives (i.e. looking attractive), the pursue of a prevacation tan, the influence of peers/parents engaging in the same habit, and the treatment of health conditions. The most commonly reported places to get an artificial tan in Europe are tanning studios and beauty salons. However, sunbeds are also available in sport venues, such as swimming pools and gyms, hotels and private houses. All these factors should be taken into account when planning educational, behavioural and legislative interventions to reduce the popularity of artificial tanning in Europe.

Do artificial structures affect the feed of Patella caerulea limpets?

Do artificial structures affect the feed of Patella caerulea limpets?

A Holistic Approach to Assessment of Population Exposure to Radiation: Challenges and Initiatives of a Regulatory Authority.

A regulatory authority for radiation safety should continuously evaluate and improve the national safety framework, in line with current requirements and standards. In this context, the Greek Atomic Energy Commission initiated a series of concerted actions. The radiation dose to the population due to public and medical exposures was assessed. The assessment of dose due to public exposure was based on measurements of radon concentrations in dwellings, radionuclide concentrations in environmental samples, and air dose rates; the assessment of dose due to medical exposure was based on dose measurements for typical examinations or procedures and data on their frequency. The mean effective dose to a member of the population was found to be 4.5 mSv (1.8 mSv and 2.7 mSv from medical and public exposures, respectively). Regarding occupational exposure, aircrew dose assessment, eye lens monitoring, and the national dose registry were significantly improved. With respect to artificial tanning (sun beds), the ultraviolet radiation produced was assessed and the practices followed were observed. Results demonstrated exceedance of the 0.3 W m erythema effective irradiance limit set in European Union standards by 63.5% of the sun beds measured, along with general noncompliance with standards. An overarching activity was the upgrade of the Greek Atomic Energy Commission information system in order to collect and disseminate radiation data electronically, launch a networking strategy for interaction with stakeholders, and facilitate the process of regulatory control. In response to the above findings, regulatory actions have been initiated.

A strategic framework for the development and enhancement of safety culture in the artificial tanning sector in Greece

Herein, a strategic framework for the development and enhancement of safety culture in the artificial tanning sector in Greece is presented. This framework has been designed and promoted by the competent national regulatory authority, which is the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE). The aim is to ensure a common understanding regarding ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and artificial tanning among artificial tanning professionals, stakeholders and the general public. The strategic framework is founded on the recommendations of international organizations, EU requirements and the relevant technical standards. It comprises three autonomous but interconnected components: (A) a sunbed operators’ e-training course and certification process; (B) a code of practice addressed individually to business owners, sunbed operators and sunbed users; (C) communication strategies aiming to raise awareness regarding UVR and artificial tanning among all interested parties. The artificial tanning safety culture framework presented here is the policy option undertaken by the EEAE and is embedded in the upcoming legislation and regulations for the provision of artificial tanning services in Greece. EEAE considers that the structure of the artificial tanning safety culture strategic framework will serve as a guide for the development and promotion of relevant strategic safety culture frameworks for the provision of aesthetic/wellness services utilising other non-ionising radiation sources, which do not currently exist.

Decrease in artificial tanning by French teenagers: 2011-2016.

The major risk factor for skin cancers is exposure to solar and artificial ultraviolet radiation, in particular during childhood and adolescence. In France, a law was restricted for tanning-bed access to adults (≥18years) since 1997. To evaluate teenagers' artificial tanning behaviour in 2016 and to compare results with those obtained in a similar survey performed in 2011. The SOLADO 2011 and 2016 surveys were conducted in a general school in Antony and a technical school in Fontenay-aux-Roses (Paris suburb). In 2016, 630 teenagers (mean age: 14.2±1.9y: Males/Females: 301/329) completed the questionnaire, 1.3% of teenagers reported using tanning beds, 1.1% tanning pills and 8.9% tanning creams. Between 2011 and 2016, the use of tanning beds decreased from 1.4% to 0.7% in Antony (P=.26) and from 9.5% to 4.8% in Fontenay-aux-Roses (P=.01), and the use of tanning creams from 39.8% to 17.6% in Fontenay-aux-Rose (P=.0007). The incidence of sunburn decreased from 60.5% to 54.0% in Antony (P=.02) and from 55.4% to 42.4% in Fontenay-aux-Roses (P=.05). As compared to 2011, teenagers used artificial tanning methods less frequently in 2016. In particular, they used tanning beds less frequently, suggesting that the new stricter legislation has been effective.

A Matter of Life and Death? Regulating to Avert the Risks of Cancer from Cosmetic Sunbed Use in the UK and Australia

Sunbed use can be seen as part of a beauty regime, a means of ensuring a bronzed desirable appearance. However there is an increasingly sinister side to the tanning phenomena. Tanning in the latter part of the 20th Century and early years of the 21st Century is no longer simply a question of beauty and desirability. Tanned skin may lead to skin cancer.This paper focuses on the dangers posed by sunbed use to obtain an artificial tan. First it explores the risks of sunbed tanning, how it can be viewed as a question for public health and the prospects for regulation. Secondly, it explores the current scope of legal regulation of sunbed use in the UK and how existing regulation has proved problematic. Thirdly, using Australia as an example it examines the case for prohibition of commercial tanning operations. Finally it concludes by arguing that the time has come to move towards prohibition of commercial sunbed use in the UK.

Psychosocial aspects associated with use of sunscreen, natural sunlight exposure, and artificial tanning.

Natural and artificial tanning have become very popular in Western culture, yet at the same time, there is still a psychodermatology concern for this activity. Not much has been examined with the psychological aspects of tanning and sunscreen use. The purpose of this study is to examine the psychosocial effects associated with sun protection, natural, and artificial tanning among individuals 18years old or older visiting the University of Miami Dermatology Outpatient Clinic. We distributed a survey on tanning and sunscreen use to 150dermatology outpatients, hospital employees, and hospital visitors for three weeks during June/July2015 asking about how often they tan, use sunscreen, and how they feel about this topic. Demographics, such as gender, ethnicity, and education were taken into consideration to examine the different responses in each category. Our results suggest that people's perception to tanning and sunscreen use have evolved over time. Most people in South Florida nowadays feel guilty when exposed to natural sunlight without sunscreen and do not tan frequently. The majority of the people, specifically women, utilize the recommended amount of sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30-50. However, we can conclude that communication between social media and the general public can affect people's decision-making on tanning and sunscreen use with physician advice being the most effective method of encouraging people to use sunscreen. This study will add to the growing knowledge about psychodermatology.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer - Overview

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) is the most common form of skin cancer. Common risk factors linked to the occurrence of NMSC are occupational exposure to chemicals, ultraviolet light exposure, immunosuppresion, human papillomavirus infection, artificial tanning, premalignant skin lesions and inherited skin conditions. The various clinical manifestations of NMSC depend on location and subtype. Management of NMSC includes pathology confirmation, staging and treatment. Retinoid and nicotinamide have been shown to be effective for the prevention of NMSC, primary treatments available for the treatment of NMSC are wide local excision, Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), radiotherapy (RT), topical agents (5FU cream) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Keywords: Non-melanoma skin cancer, MMS, PDT, BCC, SCC.

Regulation of the artificial tanning sector in Greece

Introduction The first surveillance action regarding the artificial tanning sector in Greece was recently finalized by the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE). Results demonstrated noncompliance with the 0.3 W/m 2 erythemal irradiance limit in 65% of the sunbeds measured and inadequate provision of artificial tanning services. Purpose EEAE initiated specific actions in order: (i) to raise public awareness regarding artificial tanning, (ii) to synchronize the artificial tanning sector in Greece with the EU requirements and (iii) to introduce the national legislation for the control and regulation of the artificial tanning sector in Greece, since no relevant national legislation exists. Materials and methods The requirements set by the ELOT EN 60335-2-27:2013, ELOT EN 16489-1:2014, ELOT EN 16489-2:2015 and ELOT EN 16489-3:2015 technical standards as well as the recommendations provided by the EU and international organizations (e.g. WHO, ICNIRP) were used. Results A national code of practice for the provision of the artificial tanning services and an online training course for the sunbeds’ operators were developed. Moreover, informative material was developed in order to raise public awareness regarding the artificial tanning hazards and to guide the users through the approved artificial tanning procedures. Finally, a proposal for the formulation of the upcoming national legislation for the control and regulation of the artificial tanning sector in Greece was introduced. Conclusion Results of the first surveillance action conducted in Greece demonstrated the necessity of regulating the artificial tanning sector and underline the importance of continuing the relevant controls and the public awareness campaigns in Greece. Disclosure Authors disclose that they don’t have any interests or relationships that may bias their presentation.