Tanning Lamp: Quick Tan, Faster Fading

A tanning lamp produces ultraviolet radiation and it can either be a low pressure or high pressure unit. High pressure units are known as bulbs while low pressure ones are known as lamps ; but, there are many exceptions and, no one is really very set in following these categorizations. However, both types need to have an oxygen free environment within the lamp. In addition, the tanning lamp needs to have a ballast to make power available.

Main Aim

The main aim of using a tanning lamp is to obtain a suntan without need to lie out in the sun and, how good a quality of suntan that can be obtained will depend on the spectrum of the light being generated by the lamp. It is the norm that these devices will produce much more ultraviolet radiations than would normal sunlight and, thus provides users with faster base tans though; the tan may wear off faster and, it does not provide as much protection from the sun as is the case with natural tans.

Tanning lamps may also be used for treating psoriasis, eczema as well as for curing or aging wood used in building violins, guitars as also other musical instruments. They may also be used for water purification as well as sterilizing medical instruments.

However, there are concerns regarding the use of tanning lamps which could cause an increase in the incidence of skin cancer, with young users being most at risk. With artificial tanning becoming more popular, tanning lamps may be a real source of some skin cancers such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma that together cause the most malignancies in humans. Since being exposed to ultraviolet radiation or UVR from the sun can cause skin cancer and, these devices mimic sunlight, there is reason to believe that users may be affected adversely and, may be more prone to developing skin cancer as a result of using them.

People that use a tanning lamp may get themselves burnt in a manner similar to sunburn which is closely linked with the three main types of skin cancer. There is every likelihood that people using tanning lamps would be two and a half times more at risk to developing squamous cell carcinoma and, one and a half times more at risk to developing basal cell carcinoma than those not using such artificial means.

It has also been found by researchers that the risk of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma was higher in youths and, was twenty percent and ten percent higher respectively for youth who used a tanning lamp. The tanning lamp is therefore not a very safe means of obtaining a browner skin color and, should be used with care.

Choosing The Perfect Table Lamp

When choosing a table lamp our first thought is usually that we need extra lighting or we have a spot where a table lamp would add that perfect touch to our decor. But there s definitely more to choosing a table lamp than just function. Placed on side table, or on a shelf, a table lamp can be used to high light a collection of your favorite objects, brighten a dark corner, or provide a pool of light for reading. A table lamp can also provide just the right amount of light for a hallway or a soft welcoming glow in an entryway Table lamps come in all shapes, sizes and styles as well as a wide variety of materials including crystal, ceramic, wood, and steel, so it is easy to find something to suit every room in your home.

Form And Function

While ceiling fixtures light up a whole room and may be more than you need, table lamps create small warm pools of light perfect for individual tasks such as reading or hand sewing and a table lamp on a side table can create soft shadows and add balance to a room. When choosing a table lamp, the base and the shade should be proportionate to each other and should fit the scale of the furnishings. The shade should be at eye level when you’re seated, so the glare from the bulb won’t be visible.
the number of table lamps in each room can vary greatly. For common areas such as living rooms and family rooms, you ll want a lamp that helps light the room but also focuses on specific task areas.

Bedside Manner

When choosing a bedside table lamp, remember it is just as much for purpose as it is for form and is often the main lighting source for the entire room as well as for reading in bed. The height of your nightstand should determine the height of your table lamp and taller lamps work best with shorter stands or you can place a shorter lamp on a stack of books for a nice decorating treatment. Smaller lamps with low wattage bulbs can be added to create small pools of intimate lighting.
A table lamp should not only be functional but should make a statement about you and your home. They can provide a warm, inviting atmosphere to any room and a private haven after a long day.