The FDA has just announced new proposed regulations that will have a major impact on the prevention of melanoma. These rulings are not final, and starting Monday December 21 the FDA is soliciting comment on the rulings. PLEASE PLAN TO LEAVE COMMENTS IN SUPPORT OF THIS!
The MRF and others have been working for years to have the FDA regulate tanning beds more strictly. We know that most melanomas in the US are related to UV exposure. In 2009 IARC, an arm of the World Health Organization, listed UV lamps as carcinogens in the same category as tobacco smoke.
The FDA held hearings in 2010 then nothing happened. About two years ago we heard that regulations were drafted but, by rule of Congress, had to be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget for impact on the economy. This fall we secured a meeting with OMB and were joined by ACS, AAD, and others interested in this issue. We were able to convey the significance of these rules and the urgency of having them enacted.
They have now cleared that hurdle and await only public comment before becoming reality. The FDA is proposing two rulings. The first is about access and specifically requires:
–no one under 18 can use a tanning bed
–everyone using a tanning bed must sign a document that acknowledges they have been informed of the risks
–this document must be renewed every 6 months
The second rule requires owners of tanning salons have specific safety components in place, including prominent warning signs, emergency stop buttons, and better eyewear.
Please plan to leave your comments at regulations.gov starting Monday. The MRF will have sample language available on our website soon.
This is a great step forward, and an opportunity for the melanoma community to show the power of our voice.
Tim–MRF
.
