The FDA is reclassifying tanning beds and ultraviolet (UV) lamps from low risk, to moderate risk. The new measure would also make it so that sunlamp products carry visible black-box warnings on the device stating the product and persons is older than 18.
Sunlamps refer to tanning beds and booths that emit UV radiation that have potential to cause skin cancer. Those exposed to radiation from deadly skin cancer are 59 times more likely to according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
The agency’s final order of sunlamp products and UV lamps follows recommendations from a panel meeting of outside experts dating back to March 2010. The panel was charged with evaluating the risks associated with sunlamp products and recommended the agency increase regulation of these devices as well as recommending children and teens not use these products because they have the highest risk for skin cancer.
The FDA’s press release regarding the final order on sunlamp products can be read in its entirety on the FDA Website.