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Evolution of Sunlamp
Spectra in the US Indoor Tanning Industry
Stepp, Michael1
and with contribution from Steven Schlitt2
Wolff System Technology Corp., Marietta, GA1
Osram Sylvania, Danvers, MA & Drummondville, Canada2
Abstract-
A discussion of the sunlamp styles (and their spectral characteristics)
employed in the cosmetic tanning industry in North America. Presented
in the form of a chronology. Primary focus will be low pressure (or
fluorescent) lamp styles as playing the largest role in cosmetic tanning
here and abroad, but will include discussion of high pressure arc discharge
sources. The early UV light sources were developed to assist in materials
aging, photosensitive materials exposure and treatment of certain skin
disorders. Users of sources for medical reasons experienced changes
in skin coloration as a result of exposure to UVR. Low pressure sunlamps
evolved from 'FS' style sources with high concentrations of
UVB. These UVB sources are still lin use today in broadband and narrow
band styles for medical purposes. Much of the study of the effect of
ultraviolet exposure in animal and human cells are drawn using UVB sources.
Real commercialization of cosmetic indoor tanning originated in Europe
in the mid-to-late 1970s, when the first mass-produced UVA low pressure
sunlamps were introduced. To this day, commercial sunlamps emit predominantly
UVA. The inception of the US indoor tanning industry followed shortly
thereafter, and European technology trends remain a large influence
in our country.
Keywords: Sunlamps,
UVA, uvb, INDOOR TANNING
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