UV Lamps Used at Nail Salons Increase the Risk of Skin Cancer

Study says higher wattage ultra violet lamps used in nail salons linked with risk of skin cancer.

Researchers at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, found that higher-wattage ultra violet lamps that are used at nail salons to dry and cure polish are associated with excess emission of UV-A radiation, but this brief exposure after manicures needs multiple visits for it to cause DNA damage and the risk for cancer remains small.

There has been a major concern over the use of UV  lamps in nail salons as it is believed they  increase the risk of cancer.

In this study the researchers tested 17 different type of drying light units. The test was conducted in 16 salons with bulbs of a wide range of wattage and irradiance.  Using high-tech meters, the researchers measured the exposure of UV-A light on the hands.

"Our data suggest that, even with numerous exposures, the risk for carcinogensis remains small. That said, we concur with previous authors in recommending use of physical blocking sunscreens or UV-A protective gloves to limit the risk of carcinogenesis and photoaging," the researchers said in a press release.

The researchers concluded that higher wattage light sources were linked with higher emission of UV-A irradiance.

"Women who frequently get gel manicures should consider their skin-cancer risk because the UV light needed to cure the gel manicure is a risk factor for skin cancer," Adigun said, Fox News reports.

The finding was reported in JAMA Dermatology.