LOOKING FIT's Indoor Tanning Regulatory Conference

LOOKING FIT's Indoor Tanning Regulatory Conference
called "part of the solution"

by Rick Mattoon

As the new millennium brings challenges for radiation regulatory officials charged with offering efficient, effective, trustworthy and responsive services to the general public, LOOKING FIT's Indoor Tanning Regulatory Conference was proclaimed "part of the solution" during the National Conference on Radiation Control.

This year's Radiation Conference, held in Tampa, Fla., May 14-17, goal was to maximize government's positive impact on public health. Areas of main interest were regulatory challenges, communication with the public and what's new in radiation control.

One of the presentations at the conference was "Does the Non in Nonionizing Radiation Mean Non-problem?" by Robert Watkins. Watkins, Chairperson for Nonionizing Radiation for the CRCPD and Radiation Scientist of the Radiation Control Program, Department of Public Health, Boston, discussed the many challenges involved in working with nonionizing radiation.

The first challenge noted is public perception. Watkins explained that the media has impacted the beliefs of the general public in regards to issues such as indoor tanning. Media articles written on indoor tanning and other nonionizing topics often depict the vast disagreement between experts. The public usually is left trying to decipher between what all the specialists believe when dealing with these important issues. Ultimately, the consumer is left to make a "personal choice." Last year more than 27 million consumers voluntarily chose to visit indoor tanning salons.

Another challenge with radiation is the level of knowledge both state and federal regulators have regarding lasers, cell phones, indoor tanning and other nonionizing subjects. Most regulators are uninterested in indoor tanning because, in many cases, it falls outside of their mandates. On the other hand, when it is under the regulators' umbrella of responsibility, a number of agencies do not have the resources to inforce regulations. Also, Watkins reported that when low or no injuries are reported in a particular area of nonionizing radiation, regulators are less likely to spend large amounts of time in that field.

Watkins described the LOOKING FIT magazine-funded Indoor Tanning Regulatory Conference held March 30-April 1 as the first step in a list of solutions designed to close the gap between regulators, the indoor tanning industry and the general public in regards to public perception, regulatory program perception and information processing.

The magazine conference offered all 50 states (regulated or not) and federal officials an opportunity to meet face to face and discuss important topics that affect regulators, the public and the indoor tanning industry. With 16 state regulators in attendance the Indoor Tanning Regulatory Conference allowed all involved to cover issues that would assist participants in progressing the issues of regulator and public perception while stimulating the information process.

Watkins also suggested that concerns regarding indoor tanning have subsided greatly in the past few years. A recent search of topics on the Internet showed health concerns regarding radio frequency, lasers, cell phones and ELF out-numbered topics regarding indoor tanning issues.

Surprise-- Minnesota Has Regulations

State and local regulations have played a key role in keeping tanning facilities within guidelines necessary for offering quality and responsible tanning. Up until now it has been assumed that only about half of the states have specific regulations that govern the indoor tanning industry; however, that number has now grown by one.

While doing a routine informational search, authorities with the state of Minnesota surprisingly found specific regulations pertaining to indoor tanning. Linda Bruemer and Sue McClanahan with the Minnesota Department of Health found these laws while searching state records outside the typical Radiation Units scope of responsibility.

Within the Public Health statutes, a 1993 law was found governing the operation of Minnesota tanning salons. The 1993 law addresses issues of age restrictions, safety goggles and warning signage within the tanning facility. The law, which was effective Aug. 1, 1993, does not require statewide licensing or call for inspections of tanning facilities. However, it does authorize Minnesota cities to set tougher licensing regulations than those contained in this new law.

The measure, sponsored by then Rep. Marc Asch, also establishes minimum construction and safety standards for tanning facilities. Violators of this 1993 law could face petty misdemeanor penalties if enforced.

Currently, the new found 1993 regulations are being reviewed by Minnesota officials. The designation of a responsible government department has yet to be determined.