Tanning and Tanning Beds

Overview

Tanning, whether from the sun or indoor tanning beds, may cause skin cancer and other possible injurious health effects.  Consumers concerned about these effects should review the Consumer Information page.  Consumers who are injured while using a commercial tanning bed may report the injury to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the jurisdiction where the violation is alleged to have occurred, to the Virginia Office of Attorney General – Consumer Products Section, or both for possible investigation.

The State Tanning Law may be viewed here: State Tanning Law.

Tanning bed operators should review the information on the Tanning Bed Operator’s page

Recent News, Information and Regulatory Actions

December 30, 2015: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is proposing to amend the performance standard for sunlamp products and ultraviolet (UV) lamps intended for use in these products. This standard was last amended in 1985. The current amendments seek to improve consumer safety by requiring more effective communication regarding the risks posed by these products. They also would reduce risks to consumers by updating technical requirements to reflect current science, and by adopting and incorporating by reference certain elements from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) International Standard 60335-2-27, Ed. 5.0: 2009-12. For more information, please visit the Federal Register page at: FDA Sunlamp FR notice.

The FDA has also proposed restricting use of tanning beds to adults 18 years and older. For more information visit the FDA webpage: FDA tanning proposal

May 29, 2014:  The FDA issued a final decision to reclassify sunlamp products and ultraviolet or UV lamps used in indoor tanning salons. The information can be found at the following pages: FDA Tanning page and FDA Consumer page.

Federal Tax

Effective July 1, 2010 a federal tax was imposed on the use of tanning facilities.  Tanning facility operators will be required to collect a 10% fee from users of tanning facilities. See Internal Revenue Services web link regarding the collection of this tax http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=224968,00.html

 


Office of Radiological Health | 109 Governor Street, 7th Floor | Richmond, VA 23219

Telephone (804) 864-8150 | Fax: (804) 864-8155