20 QUESTIONS FOR TANNING FACILITY OPERATORS - A SURVEY OF OPERATOR KNOWLEDGE

A two-page questionnaire was administered to 37 tanning operators in f ive municipalities in BC's lower mainland. The results were analyzed t o determine the knowledge base of the participants as it related to ul tra-violet radiation (UVR), tanning equipment, biological effects of e xposure and the advice given to clients. Only 19% of the participants scored high enough to meet Alberta's criteria for adequate knowledge t o operate a tanning facility. Participants seemed knowledgeable about skin type, premature skin aging effects, skin cancer, cataracts and sk in and eye irritation. The greatest knowledge deficiencies identified were 1) the definition of UVA and UVB; 2) the biological role of UVA a nd 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.