Tanning beds: Impact on health, and recent regulations

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2016

Publication Title

Clinics in dermatology

Abstract

As the use of indoor tanning beds gained popularity in the decades after their appearance in the market in the early 1970s, concerns arose regarding their use. Clinical research has revealed an association between indoor tanning and several health risks, including the subsequent occurrence of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers, the development of psychologic dependence, and a tendency toward other high-risk health behaviors. In the face of mounting evidence, legislation has been passed, which includes the restriction of access to tanning beds by minors in 42 states and the District of Columbia, and the recent reclassification by the Food and Drug Administration, which now categorizes tanning beds as class II devices and worthy of restrictions and oversight. Early evidence suggests that these labors are resulting in cultural change, although continued efforts are necessary to limit further exposure and better inform the public of the dangers associated with indoor tanning use.

Medical Subject Headings

Beauty Culture; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; DNA Damage; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Melanoma; Skin; Skin Neoplasms; Sunbathing; Ultraviolet Rays; United States; United States Food and Drug Administration; Vitamin D

PubMed ID

27638445

Volume

34

Issue

5

First Page

640

Last Page

648

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