An FDA advisory panel is researching and considering restriction on tanning beds, in a number of areas. Restrictions are being considered for light skinned people, and for people under the age of 18. Light-skinned is classified as Fitzpatrick skin type 1, those who don’t tan, for example red heads and people with a lot of freckles. And in terms of those under 18, the FDA has brought about the idea of parental consent forms. The panel is also considering changing tanning beds from a Class I medical device to a Class II medical device. This would mean that tanning bed manufacturers would be required to up labeling requirements and performance standards. Some on the panel have suggested tanning beds be made a Class III device, this would require manufacturers submit to pre-market approval.
There has been extensive research on the effects of tanning beds, including melanoma, skin cancer, and other problems associated with over-exposure to ultra violet rays. The Melanoma Research Foundation finds that ultraviolet radiation from tanning lamps before the age of 30 increases the risk of melanoma by 75 percent. And, the American Cancer Society notes that there were nearly 69,000 new cases of melanoma last year resulting in with 8,600 deaths.
However, there have also been many arguments promoting the use of tanning beds as an alternative to the violent UV rays produced by the sun. Beach House tanning (www.beachouse.com) describes tanning, as your body’s natural repellent to sunburn, stating “tanning beds are a responsible way to get a base tan.”
This issue raises a number of questions, with 30 million Americans going to the tanning salon per year. Can the FDA “discriminate” by restricting people with a certain skin-type to attend tanning beds? If smoking cigarettes isn’t illegal, along with many other cancer-causing activities, is it fair to restrict the practice of tanning? On the flip side, do we need government to work in our best interest, letting people know the effects of tanning, and preventing them from making uninformed decisions?
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