A sunbed with lights off.

A sunbed is a device emitting ultraviolet radiation (usually UVA, but recently also UVB) used for cosmetic reasons (to induce an artificial tanning) but also for medical reasons.

Because of several adverse effects to the human health, the World Health Organization does not recommend the use of UV tanning devices for cosmetic reasons.

A study by a Dr. Anthony Liguori and others, published in the July 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , Part 1, suggests that the use of sunbeds may be addictive. The UV rays emitted by the beds stimulate the production of endorphins, resulting in a natural "high".

External link

• WHO sunbed analysis
• Read the abstract, Ultraviolet exposure is a reinforcing stimulus in frequent indoor tanners.
• Is sunless tanning safe? Although the international medical community is still suspicious about sunless tanning or self tanning, it had to admit that is safer than sun exposure.
• Sunbeds and tanning bed information