[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 21 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION REGARDING THE LABELING OF INDOOR TANNING 
                                DEVICES

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2006

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, the American people are not aware that 
indoor tanning is dangerous. While many people understand that tanning 
outside is harmful, they mistakenly believe that tanning in a salon is 
a safe alternative to sunbathing. It's time we examined the labeling 
requirements for tanning devices. Today I, along with my colleague from 
Florida, Representative Ginny Brown-Waite, introduce the Tanning 
Accountability and Notification Act, which would require the FDA to 
determine whether the current labeling of indoor tanning devices 
communicates sufficient information about the risks indoor tanning 
devices pose for the development of irreversible skin damage, including 
skin cancer.
  According to a 2005 survey conducted by the American Academy of 
Dermatology (AAD), in their quest for a sunless tan, almost 30 million 
Americans visit indoor tanning salons each year. Of these 70% are women 
between the ages of 16 and 49. The dermatologists have concluded that 
indoor tanning is not safe. One of the reported side effects of indoor 
tanning is an elevated risk of skin cancer. According to the AAD, 
regular tanning bed use was associated with a 55% increase in the risk 
of developing melanoma, especially in women between the ages of 20 and 
29. FDA and numerous leading United States' and international health 
care organizations have expressed concerns that the consuming public is 
not aware that indoor tanning devices emit ultraviolet radiation that 
is similar to and sometimes more powerful than UV radiation emitted by 
the sun. This legislation will ensure Americans make informed choices 
about preserving the health of their skin.

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