Study: Tanning beds and UV radiation as deadly as arsenic, mustard gas, experts say

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/health/sns-ap-eu-med-tanning-beds-cancer,0,1097298.story

LONDON (AP) — International cancer experts have moved tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk category, deeming them as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas. For years, scientists have described tanning beds and ultraviolet radiation as "probable carcinogens."

A new analysis of about 20 studies concludes the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30. Experts also found that all types of ultraviolet radiation caused worrying mutations in mice, proof the radiation is carcinogenic. Previously, only one type of ultraviolet radiation was thought to be lethal.

The new classification means tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation are definite causes of cancer, alongside tobacco, the hepatitis B virus and chimney sweeping, among others.

The research was published online in the medical journal Lancet Oncology on Wednesday, by experts at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, the cancer arm of the World Health Organization.

[Ian David]

1. Oh, good!

[TheCowsCameHome]

4. Haha. Boner looks like he had the dial up on extra-crispy.

[ramapo]

2. I'm shocked

Who would've thought such a thing! People do such dumb things.

[my15minutesareup]

3. All across America, this news brings sorrow

to orange-skinned tanorexic girls!:grouphug:

[SPedigrees]

5. Well that's one side of the sunlight/UV debate.

Here's a look at the other side:

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=32517
Clear link between lack of sunlight and endometrial cancer

Published: Thursday, 15-Nov-2007

Using newly available data on worldwide cancer incidence, researchers at the Moores Cancer Center at University of California, San Diego (UCSD) have shown a clear association between deficiency in exposure to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B (UVB), and endometrial cancer.

UVB exposure triggers photosynthesis of vitamin D3 in the body. This form of vitamin D is also available through diet and supplements. Previous studies from this research team have shown associations between higher levels of vitamin D3 and lower risk of cancers of the breast, colon, kidney and ovary.

Approximately 200,000 cases and 50,000 deaths from endometrial cancer occur annually worldwide, including 41,000 new cases and 7,400 deaths in the United States.

[Blasphemer]

7. Seems to be a different type of study:

"In the paper, the authors caution that this was a study of aggregates, or countries, rather than individuals; findings that apply to aggregates may not apply to individuals. They recommend further research to study individuals for the effect of vitamin D from sunlight, diet and supplements on the risk of endometrial cancer."

In addition, the study referenced in the OP is actually an analysis of 20 different studies.

[carrowsboy]

6. went to them when I was a teen

Back in the early 90s for a brief span of time. Usually the winter.

Now that I'm in my early 30s, I avoid the sun at all costs. Have been doing that for at least the last decade. I'll be 33 next month and people think I'm 24 at the oldest.