260061 Analysis of Indoor Tanning Regulations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand

Monday, October 29, 2012

Meghana V. Aruru, PhD, MBA, BSPharm , Department of Clinical, Administrative and Social Sciences, Roosevelt University College of Pharmacy, Schaumburg, IL
Jack Warren Salmon, PhD , Health Policy and Administration, University Of Illinois-Chicago, River Forest, IL
Background: Indoor tanning is controversial due to its associated melanoma and basal-cell carcinoma risks. In the past two years, studies have established conclusive evidence that frequent indoor tanning triples melanoma risk and increases basal-cell carcinoma risk in young adults. WHO has issued warnings over indoor tanning use. Methods: This study compared indoor tanning laws and regulations across N.America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand with respect to adolescents, and preventative regulations in the next few years in addition to exploring the agencies:state, federal, local to enact laws and their manpower. Results: Indoor tanning in the US and Europe is loosely regulated. 36 out of 52 US states regulate adolescent indoor tanning and the new national health reform legislation levied excise taxes on indoor tanning facilities. EU is discussing limits on UVB radiation in indoor tanning lamps. In Canada, Nova Scotia & British Columbia banned adolescents from indoor tanning. NZ does not have indoor tanning regulations, however, consumer groups have called for action. Australia, like the US has varying state regulations. By far Australia has the most stringent indoor tanning regulations, and in 2011, New South Wales proposed banning indoor tanning under age 30. Discussion: Countries and states have varying and conflicting laws about indoor tanning. Indoor tanning regulations are at best arbitrary, with little evidence to support whether banning indoor tanning at 20 is more effective than banning at 18 for example. There is little historic support to strengthen regulations by increasing manpower, supporting enforcement agencies and increasing oversight of indoor tanning advertisements to adolescents. Conclusion: There remains little doubt over the relative risks of frequent indoor tanning. Regulations to control adolescent exposure may have little effect if not implemented efficiently. It is important to increase public education about indoor tanning risks and create better awareness with tighter regulation and empowerment.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Other professions or practice related to public health
Public health administration or related administration
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe indoor tanning and its adverse health effects particularly in the light of recent links to melanoma 2. Examine current indoor tanning regulations and policies in the United States 3. Compare and contrast indoor tanning regulations and policies across various nations - Australia, New Zealand, European Nations, Canada

Keywords: Accountability, Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been in the healthcare field for about 7 years and have worked for the indoor tanning industry in the past. I hav published and presented on the topic of indoor tanning and its potential adverse effects as well as the lack of appropriate regulation governing this very important public health issue.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3336.0: Roundtable Session II - Policy, Program Evaluation and Revision and Financial Resource Management in Public Health Agencies