| Q. How much UVB can be emitted by an indoor tanning lamp? |
| A. The current types of lamps and their spectral
emissions are determined by customer demand and market
considerations, not government regulations. Manufacturers of lamps
must submit all operational emission data to the FDA, but this
agency does not specify which spectral ratios are acceptable. The
FDA's concern is only that the dosage be limited to that amount
which induces pigmentation without overexposure. This is done by
limiting the minimal erythmal doses (MEDs). |
| Q.
What are lamp UVB percentages and what do they mean? |
| A. Virtually nothing. UVB percentage is derived
from dividing the measured UVB energy of a lamp by it's UVA energy.
This is a common method of "rating" lamps but it tells us next to
nothing about the tanning effectiveness of a given lamp. The lamp
with the highest total energy output will deliver a more natural,
lasting tan, with precise emission from the most effective spectral
regions improving results even further. |
| Q.
What is compatibility? |
| A. To determine the proper replacement lamp for
your particular tanning equipment, you need to follow the equipment
manufacturer's recommended lamp replacement guide. In order for the
lamp to be compatible to the original lamp furnished, the output of
the replacement lamp must be within +/- 10%, and have the same
erythemic and melanogenic effect on the tanner. The FDA guidelines
state the replacement lamp must not alter the exposure time of the
equipment! |
| Q.
How do I maximize lamp life? |
| A. In order to maximize the output and life of your
tanning lamp, first start with a high quality lamp. Make sure the
acrylic shields are periodically cleaned and replaced according to
the manufacturer's specifications. Clean the reflective surfaces
behind the lamps when you replace them. Higher temperatures can
shorten a lamp's life or reduce it's output so maintain proper room
temperatures with adequate air conditioning and ventilation.
Incoming voltage must meet the equipment manufacturer's
specifications. Low voltage will reduce tanning effectiveness while
high voltage will reduce lamp life and increase temperatures. Keep
in mind VHO (very high output) lamps tend to have a shorter life
than HO (high output) lamps. |
| Q.
What is a production date code, and is that important? |
| A. Tanning lamps do not have a shelf life, and do
not expire, age, deteriorate or spoil. The production date code
simply identifies when the lamp was produced. |
| Q. Are lamps rated 10 minute, 20 minute and 30 minute, is there a
difference? |
| A. An indoor tanning lamp's performance is directly
related to the equipment in which it is installed. The same lamp may
perform differently in various models. Rather, the "minutes" are
calculated according to that bed's total make up, and how it
influences the exposure schedule. All tanning units, regardless of
timer interval or lamp type must produce a maximum of 4 MEDs
(minimum erythemal dose). |
| Q.
What are high output (HO) and very high output (VHO) lamps? |
| A. High Output (HO) lamps are found predominantly
in tanning beds an operate on an 80 or 100 watt ballast. Very High
Output (VHO) are found on larger beds and stand up units and operate
on a 160 watt ballast. VHO lamps typically produce 30% more output
than HO lamps, and consume 60% more energy. As such, VHO lamp life
is generally short than that of HO lamps. |
| Q.
What is a Wolff system? |
| A. Wolff System tanning units are simply equipped
with the well-recognized brand name of Wolff tanning lamps. Wolff
does not manufacture beds themselves, only lamps for the beds. They
are quality lamps, but they are not the only manufacturer of quality
lamps for beds. Wolff sells the advertising of it's name along with
the lamps. |
| Q.
What is the difference between high pressure and low pressure tanning
equipment? |
| A. High pressure indoor tanning equipment utilizes
metal halide lamps. These lamps emit UVC, UVB and UVA. By means of
an elaborate filtering mechanism, more UVA is emitted during a
tanning session. Most indoor tanning equipment found in the US is
low pressure equipment that emits a combination of both UVA and UVB. |
| Q.
Must acrylic shields be replaced periodically? |
| A. Acrylics which show stress lines, cracks and/or
discoloration (yellowing) may block proper UV light transmission.
Acrylic shields should be replaced according to the manufacturer's
guidelines. |
