This Article  • References  • Full text PDF  • Send to a friend  • Save in My Folder  • Save to citation manager  • Permissions  Citing Articles  • Citation map  • Citing articles on HighWire  • Contact me when this article is cited  Related Content  • Similar articles in JAMA  Social Bookmarking   What's this?

Council on Scientific Affairs

JAMA. 1989;262(3):380-384.

Abstract
Tanning for cosmetic purposes by sunbathing or by using artificial tanning devices is widespread. The hazards associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation are of concern to the medical profession. Depending on the amount and form of the radiation, as well as on the skin type of the individual exposed, ultraviolet radiation causes erythema, sunburn, photodamage (photoaging), photocarcinogenesis, damage to the eyes, alteration of the immune system of the skin, and chemical hypersensitivity. Skin cancers most commonly produced by ultraviolet radiation are basal and squamous cell carcinomas. There also is much circumstantial evidence that the increase in the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma during the past half century is related to increased sun exposure, but this has not been proved. Effective and cosmetically acceptable sunscreen preparations have been developed that can do much to prevent or reduce most harmful effects to ultraviolet radiation if they are applied properly and consistently. Other safety measures include (1) minimizing exposure to ultraviolet radiation, (2) being aware of reflective surfaces while in the sun, (3) wearing protective clothing, (4) avoiding use of artificial tanning devices, and (5) protecting infants and children.

(JAMA. 1989;262:380-384)

Author Affiliations
From the Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association, Chicago, Ill.

Footnotes
This report was presented to the AMA House of Delegates in December 1988 as an informational report of the Council on Scientific Affairs.

This report is not intended to be construed or to serve as a standard of medical care. Standards of medical care are determined on the basis of all of the facts and circumstances involved in an individual case and are subject to change as scientific knowledge and technology advance and patterns of practice evolve. This report reflects the views of scientific literature as of February 1989.

Reprint requests to Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association, 535 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610 (William R. Hendee, PhD).

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter     What's this?

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES

Characteristics Associated With Use or Intention to Use Indoor Tanning Among Adolescents
Lazovich et al.
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2004;158:918-924.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Evaluation of the SunWise School Program
Geller et al.
The Journal of School Nursing 2003;19:93-99.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Awareness of the Risks of Tanning Lamps Does Not Influence Behavior Among College Students
Knight et al.
Arch Dermatol 2002;138:1311-1315.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Personal and Clinical Skin Cancer Prevention Practices of US Women Physicians
Saraiya et al.
Arch Dermatol 2000;136:633-642.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Ultraviolet Light: A Hazard to Children
Committee on Environmental Health
Pediatrics 1999;104:328-333.
FULL TEXT  

Skin Cancer Prevention: The Problem, Responses, and Lessons Learned
Graffunder et al.
Health Educ Behav 1999;26:308-316.
ABSTRACT  

Sun-Protection Behaviors Used by Adults for Their Children--United States, 1997
Arch Dermatol 1998;134:1175-1176.
FULL TEXT  

Sun-Protection Behaviors Used by Adults for Their Children--United States, 1997
JAMA 1998;280:317-318.
FULL TEXT  

Prevention and Early Detection Strategies for Melanoma and Skin Cancer: Current Status
Koh et al.
Arch Dermatol 1996;132:436-443.
ABSTRACT  

Protection of Humans from Ultraviolet Radiation through the Use of Textiles: A Review
Capjack et al.
Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal 1994;23:198-218.
ABSTRACT  

Sun Protection in Childhood
Truhan
CLIN PEDIATR 1991;30:676-681.
ABSTRACT  

Sun Protection in Childhood
Truhan
CLIN PEDIATR 1991;30:412-421.
ABSTRACT  

Racial Pigmentation and the Cutaneous Synthesis of Vitamin D
Matsuoka et al.
Arch Dermatol 1991;127:536-538.
ABSTRACT