The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has withdrawn a 2015 proposal that would have implemented stricter federal regulations on tanning beds, also known as sunlamps. The proposed rules included a ban on individuals under 18 from using tanning devices and a requirement for adult users to periodically sign forms acknowledging the associated skin cancer risks.
Background of the Proposal
In 2015, the FDA introduced a proposal aimed at enhancing public health protections related to sunlamp products. Key provisions of this proposal were:
- Prohibiting individuals under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning devices.
- Requiring adult users to sign a waiver form every six months, acknowledging the risks of skin cancer and severe burns associated with indoor tanning.
Currently, dozens of U.S. states and Washington, D.C., have laws banning minors from using tanning beds, while other states permit use with parental consent. The FDA classifies sunlamps and tanning beds as Class II medical devices and mandates a "black-box" warning on these products, advising against use by individuals under 18. Without a federal regulation, the enforceability of this warning varies by state.
FDA's Decision and Rationale
The withdrawal notice was signed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In a memo, Secretary Kennedy cited "scientific and technical concerns" and "possible unintended consequences" as reasons for the decision. He had previously expressed a commitment to ending what he described as the federal government's "aggressive suppression" of "sunshine," including artificial sources.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services stated that the agency is reassessing how to "balance public health considerations with consumer access and choice" while affirming that UV exposure from sunlamp products is known to increase skin cancer risk. Secretary Kennedy also stated that the agency "continues to consider regulatory initiatives related to sunlamp products."
"The FDA is reassessing how to 'balance public health considerations with consumer access and choice' while affirming that UV exposure from sunlamp products is known to increase skin cancer risk."
The FDA reported receiving over 9,000 public comments on the proposed rule. These comments presented a range of perspectives, including support for "personal choice and parental decision-making," alongside concerns about the "vulnerability of young people" and "compliance burdens on small businesses."
Medical and Public Health Concerns
Medical organizations and dermatologists had advocated for the stricter regulations, citing evidence linking indoor tanning to an increased risk of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology, among other groups, expressed disappointment following the FDA's decision.
Scientific studies indicate that tanning bed use, particularly before age 20, significantly increases the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Indoor tanning device use can double melanoma rates and increases melanoma risk by nearly 50% if initiated before age 20. The World Health Organization classifies UV-emitting indoor tanning devices as carcinogens, alongside substances like tobacco and asbestos.
Dr. Hunter Shain, a dermatology professor, noted that high doses of UV radiation earlier in life have an "outsized" influence on cancer risk. Dr. Susan Taylor, president of the American Academy of Dermatology, stated that a federal law would be more enforceable than a warning label alone.
Dr. Kendra Bergstrom, a board-certified dermatologist, highlighted that UV radiation is a carcinogen and compared the age 18 maturity barrier for tanning to regulations for products like cigarettes or gambling. She also expressed concern about the inconsistent application of health policy across states and the difficulty for consumers to discern specific UVA/UVB exposure levels from tanning beds.
A 2025 survey suggested that a significant portion of Gen Z adults may misunderstand tanning risks, with nearly 60% reportedly believing myths such as base tans preventing sunburn. Former FDA official Susan Mayne distinguished the health benefits of natural sunlight from the risks associated with indoor tanning.
Industry Response
Tanning industry groups, including the Indoor Tanning Association and the American Suntanning Association, had opposed the original rules. They cited arguments for personal choice, questioned some scientific evidence regarding increased risk for young users, and raised concerns about the potential rise of unregulated "underground" tanning businesses if federal restrictions were implemented.