FDA Proposes New Rules for Indoor Tanning Beds

By Stacy SimonThe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing new rules aimed at protecting people from the harms of indoor tanning. If passed, the proposal would restrict use of sunlamp products to adults 18 and older. It would also require adults who use the products to sign a form acknowledging they understand the risks to their health.Indoor tanning, just like sun tanning outside, exposes skin to ultraviolet (UV) rays, the cause of most skin cancers. And tanning is particularly dangerous for the young. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who begin tanning during adolescence or early adulthood have a higher risk of melanoma, one of the deadliest types of skin cancer. Yet – according to the 2013 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey – 1.6 million minors indoor tan every year.“Today’s action is intended to help protect young people from a known and preventable cause of skin cancer and other harms,” said acting FDA Commissioner Stephen Ostroff, MD in a statement. “Individuals under 18 years are at greatest risk of the adverse health consequences of indoor tanning.”The FDA is also proposing new safety requirements for sunlamp makers and tanning facilities. They include:making warnings easier to read and more prominent on the devicerequiring an emergency shut off switch, or “panic button”restricting the amount of light allowed through protective eyewearimproving labeling on replacem...
Source: American Cancer Society :: News and Features - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Sun Safety/Tanning Skin Cancer - Melanoma Skin Cancer - Basal and Squamous Cell Source Type: news