Artificial Tanning Beds

The Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation strongly recommends avoiding the use of artificial tanning beds. 

There is a growing body of evidence to indicate a strong link between indoor tanning and skin cancer:

• In 2009 the World Health Organization designated tanning beds "carcinogenic to humans" – the strongest classification for cancer causing substances.  Other carcinogens in the same category include tobacco, arsenic and asbestos.
• First exposure to sunbeds before age 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 75%.
• Having used a sunbed even once is associated with increased risk of melanoma by 15%. 
• Tanning beds have UV doses well above what would be expected in midday sun, as much as 14 times higher UVA and 4 times higher UVB.

A recent analysis of tanning beds and vitamin D found that most tanning devices emit primarily ultraviolet A, which is relatively ineffective in stimulating vitamin D synthesis. The Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation recommends dietary supplements as an economical and safe way to obtain vitamin D. Tanning beds should not be considered a safe way to get vitamin D.