Stepping up the fight against America’s accelerating skin cancer crisis, the FDA has proposed a blanket ban on the use of electronic tanning devices by younger teens and children. Despite ongoing warnings from public health groups, record numbers of youngsters are known to be regularly using tanning devices, triggering a frightening annual uptick in skin cancer rates.
Experts insist that affirmative action is need, as too many young Americans apparently have no idea just how dangerous sunbeds and tanning lamps can be.
This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has taken an pivotal step closer to banning anyone under 18 years of age from indoor tanning devices and sun lamps. In addition, proposed legislative changes from the FDA will require manufacturers of tanning products to further clarify the dangers of using their sunbeds and lamps.
Should the proposals be brought into affect, which could happen within a matter of months, those wishing to continue using sunbeds will be required to sign a document confirming their acknowledgment and understanding of the potentially fatal risks of using artificial tanning devices. The form will have to be signed prior to their first session at any given time location, followed by a repeat signature every 6 months.
Indoor tanning devices are responsible for thousands of hospital admissions each and every year, while at the same time contributing to the nation’s accelerating skin cancer epidemic.
“Today’s action is intended to help protect young people from a known and preventable cause of skin cancer and other harms,” wrote Stephen Ostroff, the FDA’s acting Commissioner.
“Individuals under 18 are at greatest risk of the adverse health consequences of indoor tanning.”
Along with enhance warnings and the prohibition of under 18 is using any indoor tanning products, the measures would also require sunbeds and lamps to be fitted with ‘panic’ buttons to immediately shut them down in case of emergencies.