FDA May Ban Indoor Tanning for Under 18

Does your teenager use indoor tanning beds and booths?  If so, this habit may be hampered if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decides to go through with a “ban” for indoor tanning for individuals under the age of 18.  The supposed ban is more of a policy change to make things more difficult for teens wanting to use indoor tanning, as individuals using the services would be required to sign a form stating the risks are known the first time and every six months after that.   The tanning beds and booths themselves would also be required to make warnings clearer to the public; the eye wear would be improved to limit the amount of light getting to the eyes; the products would be required to have better labels on replacement bulbs; and there would need to be an off switch added to the bed for emergencies. 

It is believed that people are under 18 years of age are in the greatest danger due to indoor tanning and about a million and a half of them tan indoors each year.  Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and the risk goes up by 59 percent when tanning indoors.  The largest increase in this deadly cancer is in females from 15 to 29 years of age and the FDA is ready to impose penalties on those in the tanning industry not complying with its regulations once they are official.  The Indoor Tanning Association thus far is proposing that the question of whether an individual under 18 tans indoors or not is up to the discretion of the parents rather than governmental regulations. 

At Inserra & Kelley Law Offices we strive to keep you informed so that you and your loved ones can live your life to the fullest, safe and healthy. We will update you regularly on possibly dangerous products, health hazards, and safety hazards so stay tuned!