I have always had a less-than-favorable attitude towards tanning beds. Why would I want to pay money to go lay in a claustrophobic, coffin-like capsule that emits UV rays? Now I have even more evidence that supports my case against using tanning beds. Not only are they expensive, but now there is solid evidence that shows they cause cancer.

The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) accounced yesterday that it has moved UV tanning beds to its highest cancer risk category--"carcinogenic to humans." This puts tanning beds in the same category as arsenic and mustard gas. Which means, tanning beds are now a definite cause of cancer. Not a possible cause, not a probable cause, but a definite cause.

In addition to this fact, a new analysis of about 20 studies states the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75% when people start using tanning beds before age 30. Doctors have seen a parallel rise in the number of young people with skin cancer, in 2008 about 62,000 new cases of melanoma (the deadliest type of skin cancer) were diagnosed in the U.S. and about 8,000 people died (according to the American Cancer Society). In Britain, melanoma is now the leading cancer diagnosed in women in their 20s.

Whether you are going to a tanning salon or laying out in your backyard, UV radiation is not healthy (even if you have a layer of fur to protect you). Granted, sunlight is a good source of vitamin D, but that does not rationalize turning yourself into a crisp to get it. Experts recommend no longer than 5-15 minutes of sun exposure three times a week without sunblock to get your Vitamin D fix. The rest of the time, slather on the sunscreen.

I know you (and the rest of society) want to get that perfect tan this summer, but please, be safe!

--Lauren