Yellowknife (Sep 26/03) - Exposure to excessive sunlight is related to cancer, and tanning beds are no exception.

The growing phenomenon, often referred to as "fake'n'bake," has people questioning whether the health risks are really worth the extra glow a 20-minute tanning session can provide.

"Tanning salons are harmful and can increase the risk of skin cancer and cause other skin damage," said Dr. Kami Kandola, regional medical health officer.

She explained that exposure to the bulbs in a tanning bed can also cause severe damage to the eyes, as well as premature aging.

While no licence is required to operate a tanning salon in the NWT, they are regulated under Health Canada's guidelines for tanning. Owners and operators must be aware of and adhere to the regulations under the federal Radiation Emitting Devices Act.

Basically, tanning beds are designed to produce a much greater amount of ultraviolet rays in a given time than the natural sunlight would produce. Therefore, an individual requires less exposure in a bed in order to achieve the same results as they would being in the sun for an extended period of time.

Atef Hamie, owner of Breakaway Fitness Centre in Yellowknife, operates two tanning beds at the centre, and explained he always makes sure that people know the risks involved beforehand.

"We ask questions about medication and we warn of the risks," he said. Although Hamie is aware that by operating a tanning bed he must abide by Health Canada's guidelines, he explained that they should have stricter rules about operating the beds. "We should be informed more about the risks," he said.

Kandola agreed, and explained people should always be aware of the risks involved in indoor tanning, especially when they can have the same deadly consequences as the natural sun.

"A tan is the skin's response to injury and every time you tan, you accumulate more damage to your skin," she said.