Nearly 30 million people tan indoors in the United States each year. Of those 30 million, more than 1 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Despite this, hundreds of thousands of people still visit tanning salons today. Skin tone or age does not matter when it comes to skin cancer risk. Among the many existing causes of skin cancer, ultraviolet rays from tanning salons are by far at the top of the list. There are studies linking ultraviolet radiation to the deadliest form of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in five Americans develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Tanning is the result of skin lesions and damage. It is the reaction when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation that causes the skin to produce additional pigment to protect itself against the radiation. This pigment makes the skin darker and is what gives the appearance of a tan (Risks of tanning). The New York State Department of Health states that ultraviolet radiation is a form of energy that comes from natural sunlight or an indoor tanning device. Ultraviolet radiation is classified as a human carcinogen and is not visible to the naked eye. It is also the main cause of skin cancer. Not only is skin cancer a disease in which malignant cells form in skin tissues, but it can occur anywhere on the body (NY State Dept. Health). The skin has several layers, the two main layers of which are: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the starting point for skin cancer and is made up of three types of cells: squamous (top layer), basal (middle layer), and melanocyete (bottom layer). The pigment darkens to form the tan...... middle of paper ......tistics/diseases/cancer/skin/report/2009/>."Tanning Bed and Skin Cancer Statistics skin." Tanning information, articles, tips and reviews on tanning beds. Internet. March 12, 2010. “Tanning Booths – Are Indoor Tanning Booths Safe?” » Women's Health Issues - Women's Health Questions and Answers - Women's Sexual Health. Internet. March 12, 2010. “Fact sheet on the dangers of tanning.” New York State Department of Health. Internet. March 12, 2010. "World Health Organization: Tanning Beds Pose Serious Cancer Risk - KDVR." Denver News, Colorado News, Weather, Sports & Traffic | FOX31 Denver-KDVR. Internet. March 12. 2010. .