A golden, bronze tan is often considered a status symbol, especially around Tucson, which is home to one of the sunniest campuses in the country.

However, with the sun hiding behind the last winter clouds and spring break just around the corner, many students are finding themselves drawn to the warmth of tanning salons.

"I love fake tanning," said Denise Furtzberg, an undeclared freshman. "It's so convenient, and even when it's winter, I can look like I lay out."

Touted as the easy way to quickly get a lasting tan, many students are unaware of the hazards to their health, said Lee Ann Hamilton, health educator for Campus Health Services.

"Tanning beds are one of the most dangerous things you can do to your body," said Hamilton. "Not only can the rays cause wrinkles and age spots, but they can also cause cancer."

The "rays" Hamilton is referring to are ultraviolet light rays, also known as UVA and UVB. Both cause tanning, but both can also create vision problems, allergic reactions, depressed immune systems and skin concerns.

Most tanning salons offer both types of rays. The lay-down beds are primarily UVB, while the standing beds are primarily UVA.

Susan Bressert, manager of the Maui Beach Sun Center at 1107 N. Park Ave., notes that there is a difference between the two.

"UVB, which is nicknamed the burning ray, is a shorter ray which doesn't penetrate as deeply into the skin, so the tan doesn't last as long and can cause overexposure," said Bressert.

Bressert added that UVA rays, while still dangerous, are more commonly referred to as "healthy" because they have a ray that lasts longer.

Knowing these risks, Maui Beach requires that each customer sign a disclaimer that waives the salon of liability.

Sunsations, another campus area tanning center, located at 1708 E. Speedway Blvd., also requires customers to sign a disclaimer but, in addition, employs the use of skin type analysis before they let anyone tan.

"We used a number of factors to determine how long we let someone use the beds, including genetic history and how fair a person's skin is," said Pat Reykdal, owner of Tucson Tanning Centers.

The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has compiled many articles on the issue of sun exposure, both indoors and outdoors, and its potential effects.

"There have been many studies that show a link between UVA and melanoma, which is the most deadly of all skin cancers, especially if not caught early," Hamilton said. "In fact, these rays have been reported to suppress the immune system and create harmful effects on DNA."

Hamilton maintains that students worried about sun exposure can tell how much damage they are causing by comparing their forearm to an area that is always unexposed.

Despite the warnings that are placed inside each room when a customer tans, many students continue to go because of the superficial benefits.

"I know that tanning salons can be bad for you, but why not look good now and worry about it later," Furtzberg said.