A recent examination of the potential risks of skin cancer from heat lamps used to dry nails in salons has revealed that the lamps actually pose little threat. The bulbs used in these kinds of lamps do emit ultraviolet-A (UV-A) rays, which have been found to contribute to the development of skin cancer. However, the team conducting this study said that controlled testing of these lamps found that the presence of UV-A rays is so small that “multiple visits would be required to reach the threshold for potential DNA damage.”

Using meters in 16 nail salons, researchers measure the amount of UV-A light that hands were exposed to during the drying process. They tested 17 different types of lamps and used several different hand positions to measure the effects lamps had on the skin.

Their results indicated that of the lamps tested, none produced enough UV-A light to create the threat of carcinogenesis taking place. They also found the measurements of UV-A rays to be highly variable from lamp to lamp. Their conclusions indicate that while there appears to be little threat to casual exposure to drying lamps during a manicure, the lack of regulations on manufacturers leaves the lamps open potential for elevated levels outside of what was measured during the study.

The position of a person’s hands also affected their level of exposure to UV-A rays, further muddying the waters regarding the what risks could accurately be measured.

Based on these findings, researchers recommend the use of sunscreen when exposing one’s hands to nail salon drying lamps. They say that it should be used to prevent premature aging of one’s skin as well as diminish the possibility of variations in manufacturing that could elevate the intensity of UV-A exposure. The research team also suggests further testing and the development of regulations that would decrease the variability between lamps and salons alike.