[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E93]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           INTRODUCTION OF THE TANNING BED CANCER CONTROL ACT

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 26, 2010

  Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing bipartisan 
legislation along with my friend and colleague from Pennsylvania, 
Representative Charlie Dent: the Tanning Bed Cancer Control Act.
  In July 2009, the World Health Organization moved tanning beds into 
their highest cancer risk category, ``carcinogenic to humans.'' This 
new classification places tanning beds alongside tobacco smoke, 
asbestos, and uranium as known cancer-causing agents. This science 
clearly tells us that regulatory safeguards must be put in place to 
protect the more than 1 million people who tan in tanning salons across 
the country each day. One American dies of melanoma almost every hour. 
We can no longer ignore the startling health effects of indoor tanning.
  This bill empowers the FDA to examine two sides of tanning bed 
regulation. First, it requires a study be conducted to determine 
whether or not tanning beds are appropriately classified in accordance 
with the risks of their use. Right now, tanning beds are classified in 
the lowest risk category, class I. Other examples of class I devices 
are Band Aids and tongue depressors, devices that pose no risk to 
consumers at all. The bill also addresses performance standards--
factors such as the strength of the UV rays emitted and the recommended 
amount of time a consumer should remain in the bed. These standards 
have not been amended since 1985. Finally, the legislation calls on the 
FDA to carry out its own findings published in a 2008 Report to 
Congress and edit the warning label requirements to clearly and more 
effectively inform consumers of the health risks associated with 
tanning bed use.
  This legislation does not seek to tell the FDA what to do; rather, it 
empowers the FDA to use its own authority to ensure that tanning bed 
regulations reflect science. There is no longer any mystery to this 
issue: tanning beds emit UV rays. UV rays cause cancer. It's very 
simple and deceptively dangerous. We cannot afford to stand by and 
watch people suffer as a result of misinformation and poor regulation.

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