Among the several new restrictions recommended by FDA’s advisory panel is a ban on using tanning-beds by people who have very pale skin.The panel’s earlier report from its 25th March meeting advised restricting the use of tanning beds for adults 18 and older, but that is not the only restriction the panel has recommended.

Interestingly, the panel recommends prohibiting people with Fitzpatrick skin type 1 from using tanning beds, as those with extremely pale skin types, such as red-heads with freckles, are prone to getting sunburnt, rather than sun-tanned on being exposed to sunlight or tanning lamps.

The panel has unanimously proposed changing the Class I device designation of tanning beds, which happens to be the least restrictive classification meant for minimal risk devices, into which category fall elastic bandages and hand-held surgical devices.

Half the panel supported a Class II device designation for tanning beds, requiring special assurances like labelling or mandatory performance standards, such as, X-ray machines and powered wheelchairs.

While, the other half wanted tanning beds listed as Class III devices requiring special controls like operator training requirements, including pre-market approval by the FDA, implanted pacemakers and silicon breast-augmentation gels fall in this category.

Other panel recommended special controls include:

· Protective eyewear current requirements to be strengthened.

· Mechanisms that prevent activation of tanning beds until a customer has acknowledged reading and accepting a series of warnings about indoor tanning risks.

· A registry programme for all tanning bed users supported by a user fee.

· Mandatory tanning bed operator education, training, testing, and re-certification requirements.

· Collection of tanning beds irradiance data to be included in the user registry

· Restricting tanning bed use by pregnant women, people taking drugs or using certain cosmetics that interact with UV light.

· Even stronger restrictions on tanning beds sold for in-home use.

Medical groups have praised the panel’s recommendations.