FDA may seek tougher tanning bed rules

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Spring break is just around the corner, which means many people will soon start hitting the tanning bed before they head down south. The Food and Drug Administration could soon be imposing stricter warnings against the devices.

The agency is worried many consumers, especially young people, don't fully understand the risks surrounding tanning beds.

Right now, restrictions include using protective eyewear, only tanning for a certain amount of time depending on the bed's output, and putting a warning label on every bed telling users of the link between UV exposure and skin cancer. However, the FDA believes the labels need to be more visible, and the restrictions more harsh.

Dermatologist Dr. Chris Obeime is pushing for stricter tanning bed regulations.

"Left to me, personally, they should not exist," he said.

Dr. Obeime said he's seen a large increase in the number of young patients with the most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma. He wants the new restrictions to include requiring parental permission for children under 18 and limiting tanning salon visits to just once a week.

"If you decrease the amount of exposure, hopefully we can prevent people from getting skin cancers," Dr. Obeime said.

John Overstreet, Executive Director of the Indoor Tanning Association, said the regulations now in place are more than adequate.

The group plans to fight any new restrictions. Overstreet said the beds only pose a risk to people who over-do it.

"They're no more dangerous than being in the summer sun," said Overstreet.

The FDA doesn't recommend the use of tanning beds at all. The agency will hold a public hearing in March to explore stricter tanning bed regulations and stiffer warnings to consumers who use them.