Today, Congressman Ted Lieu (D | Los Angeles) sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) asking that they release the proposed rule, General and Plastic Surgery Devices: Restriction of Sunlamp Products (RIN 0910-AH14), for public comment as soon as possible. The rule, which was submitted to OMB by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), would further regulate tanning beds. The letter was co-led by the co-chairs of the Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus, Representatives Carolyn Maloney, David Joyce, Charlie Dent, Jim Cooper, and Representative Rosa DeLauro. In addition, twelve other members of Congress signed the letter, bringing the total signatures to eighteen.
“For many years I have worked to regulate and restrict tanning bed access, helping make California the first state in the nation to ban underage tanning bed use. The new tanning bed regulations submitted by FDA to OMB are critical in the fight to eradicate skin cancer, and I hope the rule will be released soon. “
–Congressman Ted Lieu
“The American Academy of Dermatology applauds Representative Lieu and the Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus for their work to protect Americans from the harms associated with indoor tanning. Skin cancer rates continue to rise, and as dermatologists we have seen the devastating effects that indoor tanning has had on our patients. It’s time for OMB to release the rule for public comment as the next step in alleviating our nation’s skin cancer burden.”
–Dr. Mark Lebwohl, President, American Academy of Dermatology Association
“Tanning devices pose a considerable health threat, especially to the millions of young women and adolescents who use them regularly,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). The FDA has rightly reclassified sunlamps as the dangerous, cancer-causing enablers they are, but we need to do more, including banning their use for people under age 18. I strongly urge OMB Director Donovan to release the proposed rule immediately so more people will be better informed of their dangers.”
–Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
“Thanks to the FDA, every tanning bed now has a warning label explaining the risks to those under 18,” said Maloney. “That’s an important first step. Yet given the known health risks tanning beds present, especially to minors, along with the steep climb in skin cancer rates we’ve seen over the last two decades, children really shouldn’t be allowed to use these devices. Over the past year, I’ve pressed the Administration to enact tougher restrictions on the use of tanning beds by minors, and I’m pleased the FDA appears to be moving in this direction. Now we are urging OMB to act as quickly possible to move forward with these important protections.”
— Skin Cancer Caucus Co-chair Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney
“I’ll never forget the moment I found that the brown freckle on my upper chest was a melanoma. I’m proud to sign this letter to make sure countless others won’t ever have that same feeling.”
–Skin Cancer Caucus Co-chair Congressman Dave Joyce
“Researchers say more people develop skin cancer because of tanning than develop lung cancer because of smoking; meanwhile, women 39 and under have a higher chance of developing melanoma than any other cancer but breast cancer. It’s good we’re getting serious about such a scary disease.”
— Skin Cancer Caucus Co-chair Congressman Jim Cooper
