Twenty questions for tanning facility operators: a survey of operator knowledge

A two-page questionnaire was administered to 37 tanning operators in five municipalities in BC's lower mainland. The results were analyzed to determine the knowledge base of the participants as it related to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), tanning equipment, biological effects of exposure and the advice given to clients. Only 19% of the participants scored high enough to meet Alberta's criteria for adequate knowledge to operate a tanning facility. Participants seemed knowledgeable about skin type, premature skin aging effects, skin cancer, cataracts and skin and eye irritation. The greatest knowledge deficiencies identified were 1) the definition of UVA and UVB; 2) the biological role of UVA and UVB as it relates to tanning; 3) the degree to which UVA and UVB is emitted by sunbeds; and 4) knowledge of common drugs and medications that cause photosensitivity. Follow-up activity is briefly described.