Solarium with a standard of 0.3
Out of concern for tanning salon customers, the European Commission has introduced a requirement to use tanning beds with a 0.3 standard. What exactly does this mean?
The European standard applies to tanning devices introduced to the market after April 1, 2009. The standard of 0.3 represents the maximum solar radiation value experienced on Earth. This is the radiation value expressed in W/m², measured at high noon on the equator on a perfectly cloudless day. This means that such lamps imitate the natural effects of the sun.
UVB radiation during tanning can cause redness and burns, so its amount is reduced in "0.3" lamps. However, it's not low enough to prevent vitamin D synthesis. There's also no reason to worry about the intensity of your tan after tanning in a tanning bed with a 0.3 UVB level – you'll need to extend your tanning time, but you can still achieve a noticeable effect. A huge advantage of this type of tan is its natural shade and extended durability.
It's important to remember that healthy tanning means tanning without burning, so the European standard of 0.3 shouldn't raise concerns. On the contrary, the 0.3 standard may convince even those who were concerned about the potential negative effects of tanning to use a tanning bed. The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) oversees compliance with the standard.