Food And Drug Administration

Because indoor tanning can be dangerous when performed improperly, the FDA has stringent rules and regulations that govern the manufacturing and use of devices for indoor tanning.

The FDA has become aware of the rapid development of the tanning industry and has completed an investigation on the use of these devices. As a result of this investigation, the FDA has become concerned with the potential for injury. Use of these products has resulted in several injuries such as "severe sunburn" from overexposure to the ultraviolet radiation and cuts from broken lamps.

A performance standard for sunlamp products (including tanning units) has been published in the Federal Register and is effective for all tanning devices manufactured since May 7, 1980. This regulation was designed primarily to promote the safety of home sunlamps. It was developed after a long period of both public and industry comment.

However, during the FDA’s investigation of commercial tanning it became apparent that other safety precautions were needed in addition to those that are required by the standard. Therefore, the standard was amended in 1985; the new version to be applicable for all tanning devices manufactured on or after Sept. 8, 1986. (Copies of both standards are included in this chapter).

The following document, titled "Equipment Recommendations for Tanning Booths," was written by the FDA for use until the original standard was amended. This document identifies certain potential safety problems associated with commercial tanning units that weren’t adequately addressed by the earlier regulation and suggests possible approaches that manufacturers may take to eliminate them.

If any products pose a risk to the health of users, the FDA is prepared and authorized to take regulatory action. Safety may be enforced through mandatory or voluntary recalls, injunctions, imposition of fines or seizure of the products. However, in this specific case, the FDA requested that manufacturers of tanning units which did not meet the standard and recommendations voluntarily discontinue production until modifications could be made. In addition, modification of previously manufactured products was recommended as soon as was feasible.

Although these rules and regulations were written specifically for manufacturers, salon owners and operators should be familiar with the rules and regulations that will help them run a safer and more comfortable salon. It also will prove beneficial when educating salon employees and customers.

The following safety problems are identified and possible solutions in the form of equipment recommendations are provided for manufacturers of tanning booths or other similar equipment that provides whole body exposure for tanning purposes. Some of these recommendations may be in addition to the requirements of the Sunlamp Product Performance Standards, reproduced later in this chapter.