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Tanning

For many of us, a suntan conveys an instant illusion of glowing health.  Indeed, a certain amount of exposure to sunlight is both necessary and healthful.  However, overexposure may cause immediate long-term damage due to the ultraviolet (UV) light the sun emits.  UV ray exposure is suspected to increase one’s chances of skin cancer, including the deadly malignant melanoma, as well as damage to the eyes and to the immune system. 

Ads that claim indoor tanning devices are a safe alternative to outdoor tanning may be untrue, as these also emit UV rays.  In addition to federal statutes, provisions of state law (O.C.G.A. Sections 31-38-1 through 31-38-12) regulate tanning facilities.  Within three feet of each tanning booth, a clearly visible sign must advise you of the implications of tanning.  The sign should include the following warnings and instructions:

• Danger - Ultraviolet Radiation
• Follow instructions.
• Avoid overexposure.
• Wear protective eyewear.
• Medications or cosmetics may increase your sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation.
• If you do not tan in the sun, you are unlikely to tan from use of this product.
• Maximum exposure at any one session should never exceed 15 minutes.

Tanning facilities must comply with a number of other guidelines to ensure your safety:

1. You must wear goggles.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires tanning salons to direct all customers to wear protective eye goggles.  Closing your eyes, wearing ordinary sunglasses or using cotton wads does not protect the cornea of the eye from the intensity of UV radiation from tanning devices.  UV rays do not kill bacteria and germs, so the protective goggles must be sanitized before use.   
2. Tanning equipment must include physical barriers to prevent injury from touching or breaking the lamps.  Stand-up tanning booths must have different barriers for your protection.
3. Tanning equipment must have ground fault protection on the electrical circuit to prevent a fire from starting. 
4. Tanning facility owners must keep records of any alleged injuries that occurred from use of the tanning beds within the past three years.  A copy of any report must be supplied to you upon your request.
5. If you are under age 18, you may not use tanning equipment unless your parent or legal guardian signs a consent form.

Complaints About Tanning Facilities

If you believe that you have been the victim of false or deceptive advertising by a tanning facility or the promoter of a sun protection product in Georgia, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be interested in your experience.  The agency monitors advertising claims made by tanning facilities and sun protection product manufacturers.  The FTC does not generally resolve individual cases but will accept complaints to be used in the event of a larger investigation.  Any such complaints received by the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs would also be referred directly to the FTC.

There are many lotions and sprays on the market that will give you a temporary tan.  Most self-tanners of this type are approved by the FDA.  However, you should verify that any oral medications or herbs promoted to help you tan are actually FDA-approved.  If you find they are not approved when they claim to be, you can file a complaint with the FDA.