Wednesday, January 13, 2016

The FDA Proposes New Rules for Tanning Beds

Responding to the latest information that tanning in indoor tanning beds increases the risk of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing new rules for the use of indoor tanning beds. Under the new rules, persons younger than 18 would not be allowed to use tanning beds, and adults would have to sign a waiver every 6 months documenting that they understood and accepted the risks.

Eleven states already ban minors from using tanning beds. The logic is that although adults can choose to do what they wish (they're allowed to smoke, for example), children need to be protected because they are not mature enough to make such decisions.

The FDA's proposed rule is open for public comment until mid-March, after which a final decision will be made. The FDA press announcement includes instructions on how to comment on the proposed rule if you wish.

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