A tanning booth is a evice that emits ultraviolet radiation, usually for the purpose of a cosmetic tan. They are very similar to a tanning bed, but the design is such that it is intended to be used while standing up, rather than lying down. Many persons prefer using a tanning booth rather than a tanning bed (or sunbed) for several reasons, but the main reason given is sanitation. This is because the user is always standing up in a booth, so there is little contact with the actual unit, unlike a traditional tanning bed. While there are many stories of people catching diseases from tanning beds due to prior users (herpes, etc.) this is more myth than fact. Tanning beds are usually cleaned using an FDA approved disinfectant which is very inexpensive, and the UV itself controls bacterial growth, and is a very effective sterilizing agent. Assuming the operator follows simple cleaning instructions, the risk is very minimal for either type of system.