American Academy Of Dermatology Issues Statement On FDA Report To Congress About Labeling Information On Indoor Tanning Devices

Main Category: Dermatology
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology;  Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals
Article Date: 16 Dec 2008 - 4:00 PST

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) issued a statement in response to the Food and Drug Administration's Report to Congress about labeling information on the relationship between the use of indoor tanning devices and development of skin cancer or other skin damage. The FDA report was submitted pursuant to Section 230 of the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007.

"The American Academy of Dermatology is pleased that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a closer look at the warning label on indoor tanning beds as required by the Tanning Accountability and Notification Act of 2007 (TAN Act)," said dermatologist C. William Hanke, MD, MPH, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology. "Tanning bed use is known to contribute to the development of skin cancer, especially among young adults. The Academy aims to lead the charge to reduce the incidence of and mortality from skin cancer by raising awareness about the dangers of indoor tanning equipment use and promoting stricter regulation of indoor tanning facilities, particularly restricting access by children under 18.

"The FDA's review of the tanning bed label and its subsequent report to Congress, as well as the FDA's public Web site outlining the consequences of indoor tanning, are helpful in raising awareness about the dangers of tanning. However, based on published research studies, the Academy strongly believes that a warning label on the tanning equipment simply is not enough to influence an individual's decision to forego tanning. We hope that the TAN Act is a first step that will lead to more impactful legislation and regulation at the state and federal levels, which will restrict access to indoor tanning facilities for at least minors, and ultimately significantly reduce the incidence of skin cancer," Dr. Hanke said.

For more information about skin cancer, please visit the SkinCancerNet section on http://www.skincarephysicians.com, a Web site developed by dermatologists that provides the public with up-to-date information on the treatment and management of disorders of the skin, hair and nails.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. A sister organization to the Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association is the resource for government affairs, health policy and practice information for dermatologists, and plays a major role in formulating policies that can enhance the quality of dermatologic care. With a membership of more than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.

American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org