Final answer:
Tanning lamps emit UV radiation, which includes both UV-A and UV-B rays, and even though UV-A rays are perceived as safer, prolonged exposure can still cause skin cell damage and increase cancer risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tanning lamps primarily emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, specifically UV-A and UV-B rays. UV-A rays have a longer wavelength and do not damage DNA as directly as UV-B rays, which can cause mutations and potentially lead to skin cancer. The tanning response is a defense mechanism where the body produces protective pigments. Despite the perception that tanning salon UV light is "safe", it still possesses enough photon energy to cause cell damage with prolonged exposure. This is supported by the fact that the World Health Organization has classified all UV radiation as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning that it is known to cause cancer in humans, including skin cancer, which is strongly linked to UV exposure.