William Atkins
Friday, 11 April 2008 21:02
Science -
Health
Page 2 of 4
Solariums are devices that emit ultraviolet radiation (UV)—with different amounts of UV-A and UV-B radiation being produced—so that humans can create a cosmetic darkening, or tanning, to their bodies.
The artificially created sunlight from solariums, similar to the rays
from the Sun, use several fluorescent lamps containing phosphor, a
material that glows (the act of phosphorescencing) after exposure
to energized particles, such as electrons.
Whether by the Sun or solariums, tanning is a physiological response of the skin to the exposure of ultraviolet radiation.
Ultraviolet light (radiation) is part of the electromagnetic (EM) radiation spectrum, a range of different types of radiation including visible light, radio waves, x-rays, infrared, gamma radiation, and ultraviolet—all distinguished from each other because their waves have different lengths; that is, their wavelengths are different.
In particular, UV radiation has a wavelength shorter than that of visible light, but longer than soft x-rays. (Remember that radiation and light are interchangeable in meaning, so UV light = UV radiation.)
UV light, specifically UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C, is normally found in light that originates from the Sun. (All three types of UV light are different because their wavelengths are different.) UV radiation can also be artificially produced.
UV light can have beneficial effects to humans. However, scientists generally state that the risks far outnumber the benefits.
The ozone layer around the Earth absorbs much of the UV-B and UV-C light. Most of the UV light that reaches humans on the surface of Earth is UV-A light. The small amount of UV-B light that reaches humans helps to produce vitamin D in the body.
Health problems can occur when people do not have enough vitamin D in their bodies. So, UV-B can help people produce more vitamin D. However, most people get enough vitamin D through the drinking of milk, the eating and drinking of other diary products, and vitamins.
Many organizations do not recommend the use of UV tanning devices. Many individuals are against their use, too. Do you know who Clare Oliver was? Please read on.
