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24 May 2012

Answer to Question #244 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Tanning

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I was wondering, I am trying to get pregnant and I also have started tanning in a tanning bed that uses UVA radiation. I am an x-ray tech by profession and know that that type of radiation is harmful to a fetus. So my question is: is UVA radiation harmful to a fetus by going to lie in a tanning bed?

UVA does not penetrate far enough into the body to affect any tissues beyond the skin, where its main effect is tanning—or burning if the exposure is excessive. Even thin clothing will absorb the UVA, thereby preventing tanning. There have not been any studies, advisories, or cautions noting harmful effects of UVA during pregnancy.

Gary Zeman, ScD, CHP

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