The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently released new regulations on indoor tanning, with the aim of reducing the risks associated with the practice.

This move comes after years of evidence linking indoor tanning to skin cancer, and particularly melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

What are the new regulations?

Under the new regulations, indoor tanning businesses will be required to:.

Advise all customers, through a consent form, about the risks of indoor tanning, and obtain each customer’s signature on the form;
Prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from using an indoor tanning machine;
Design and install tanning machines to meet certain safety requirements, including making them easier to use and maintain;
Ensure that anyone who uses a tanning machine has protective goggles on;
Provide training to staff regarding the operation of tanning machines;
Conduct product testing on the machines to ensure their safety and effectiveness;
Maintain records of customer consent forms and machine maintenance.

Why were the regulations created?

The regulations were created in response to the growing body of evidence linking indoor tanning to skin cancer, and particularly melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Studies have shown that using indoor tanning machines before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 59%, and that the risk increases with each use. This has led to a growing concern among health professionals about the dangers of indoor tanning.

What are the risks of indoor tanning?

The risks of indoor tanning are significant. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from indoor tanning machines can cause serious damage to the skin, including sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Melanoma, in particular, is a serious and potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer that is linked to indoor tanning.

In addition, indoor tanning can also have other negative health effects, such as damaging the eyes, suppressing the immune system, and increasing the risk of other types of cancer, such as breast and lung cancer.

What are the benefits of the new regulations?

The new regulations have several benefits, including:.

Reducing the risks associated with indoor tanning, particularly for young people;
Ensuring that indoor tanning machines are easier to use and maintain, and that staff are properly trained to use them;
Providing customers with information about the risks associated with indoor tanning, so they can make informed decisions about their health;
Improving the safety and effectiveness of indoor tanning machines;
Creating a more regulated and accountable indoor tanning industry.

What is the impact of the regulations on the indoor tanning industry?

The new regulations will have a significant impact on the indoor tanning industry. For one, the industry will have to comply with new safety and operating requirements, which could be costly.

In addition, the prohibition on tanning for individuals under 18 could result in a loss of business for the industry.

However, the regulations could also be seen as an opportunity for the industry to improve its image and demonstrate a commitment to customer safety.

By providing customers with information about the risks associated with indoor tanning, the industry could also demonstrate a commitment to educating the public about the dangers of this practice.

What does this mean for consumers?

For consumers, the new regulations mean greater protection against the risks associated with indoor tanning.

By providing information about the risks of indoor tanning and prohibiting the practice for individuals under 18, the regulations give consumers the tools they need to make informed decisions about their health.

Consumers who are still interested in indoor tanning will also benefit from the improved safety and effectiveness of indoor tanning machines, as well as from proper staff training and maintenance records.

Conclusion

The new FDA regulations on indoor tanning represent an important step forward in protecting the public from the risks associated with this practice.

By requiring that indoor tanning businesses provide customers with information about the risks associated with indoor tanning, and by making changes to the operation of tanning machines to improve safety and effectiveness, the regulations provide a valuable service to consumers and help to create a more regulated and accountable indoor tanning industry.