Are UV Nail Dryers Safe?

I don't usually get my nails done in a salon (I'm more of a D-I-Y type of girl), but when I do, I've always been a little paranoid about using the UV Nail Dryers.
I typically try to avoid using them because you never really know how much damage can actually be done.
Also, I would never use a tanning bed for my body (use a self-tanner!), so why would I use one on my hands?

I recently read an article in the March 2011 issue of Allure magazine on this topic.

Two women were diagnosed with squamous-cell carcinoma on their fingers with no predisposing reason other than their consistent use of UV nail dryers, according to the April 2009 issue of Archives of Dermatology.
Two cases are not a lot, but doctors are concerned.
- "These have the same wavelength of UVA rays, type of bulbs, and level of radiation that we know cause cancer in tanning beds," says Neal B. Schultz, assistant clinical professor of dermatology in New York City.
- James M. Spencer, clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine says, "Just intuitively, these dryers are a terrible idea; we're talking about a known carcinogen."

Here is also a quick article about an episode of the show "The Doctors" that essentially says that using the UV nail dryer is not worth the skin cancer risk.

Dr. Ordon explained the DNA of skin cells mutate when exposed to ultraviolet light and this increases the risk of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.

He then tested the amount of UV light produced by a standard UV nail dryer using a Sper Scientific UV-A/B Light Meter. As co-host Dr. Jim Sears explained to viewers that a meter reading of over 100 was bad, Dr. Ordon turned the monitor so all could see a reading that climbed to 8,617 before giving a final result of high UV exposure.

Dr. Ordon referenced research from the University of Texas that found squamous cell carcinoma on the hands of two women who had no predisposing factors for skin cancer, except for repeated the use of UV light nail dryers during manicures. The research, which was published in the medical journal Archives of Dermatology, states the amount of UV radiation exposure per meter produced by UV nail dryer lights (once one adjusts for body surface and bulb wattage) is comparable to that of tanning beds.

So, hopefully none of you are still going to tanning beds and are refraining from using the UV nail dryers.
Use the regular fan dryers as much as possible, or let your nails dry on their own.
Nail dryers get you out of the salon faster, but there is a possibility for dangerous side effects.

You never know the damage that can happen over time...... Is it really worth the risk? 
I say no.

And if you do your own nails at home, I highly recommend using the Karma Organic Nail Polish Remover to take off your polish in a quick, safe, and fragrant way.

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*