High-wattage ultra-violet (UV) lamps used at nail salons to dry polish do emit more UV-A radiation, but multiple visits would be required to increase one's risk of cancer.
Researchers have been concerned about the risk of cancer imposed by these UV drying lamps, but past studies have not taken samples from actual UV lights, a JAMA Network Journals news release reported.
In a new study the researchers sampled 17 light units from 16 salons that used a wide variety of UV bulbs with different wattage and irradiance emissions.
Higher wattage light bulbs were associated with higher UV-A emissions.
The researchers cited "notable differences" in the different light bulbs as well as how much UV light was imposed on the hands, HealthDay reported.
The team found that after one dose of UV-A light imposed from a nail salon session, the risk of related cancer remained low.
"Even with numerous exposures, the risk for carcinogenesis remains small," Doctor Lyndsay Shipp of the department of dermatology at Georgia Regents University, in Augusta, and her team said, HealthDay reported.
Despite the study's findings the research team still suggests people take protective measures when dealing with UV-A lights. The use of sunscreen on the hands or UV-A protective gloves could reduce one's risk of both cancer and premature skin aging.
Doctor Chris Adigun, professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center also agrees that people should consider using this type of protection when using salon lamps.
"As a result," Adigun told HealthDay. "The bulbs, wattage and irradiance of these lamps varies dramatically from one manufacturer to the next, and individuals utilizing these lamps in salons have no way of knowing just how much UV exposure their skin is receiving upon each manicure."
"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, the news release reported.
