DeLauro Statement on New Standards for Tanning Lamps

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) releasedthe following statement today on news the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) isproposing new standards and labeling for tanning lamps. DeLauro, a former chairof the subcommittee that funds the FDA, has long fought to ensure consumershave information about the dangers of indoor tanning. More information on theproposed FDA standards can be found ontheir website.

"I am glad the FDA is moving forward with a clear warningabout the risks of indoor tanning, but I still have concerns about the detailsand implementation of this proposal. I will continue to press the agency toensure that consumers get the information they need to make informed choices.

"The National Cancer Institute estimates melanoma, thedeadliest form of skin cancer, will cause 76,000 cases and 9,000 Americandeaths this year. Research has found that the risk of melanoma increases by 75percent when people start using tanning beds before age 35. More than threeyears ago an FDA advisory committee recommended reclassifying tanning beds tobetter reflect their risk. Having a carcinogenic product easily available tominors is unacceptable and we must ensure strong performance standards are inplace to better protect consumers."

DeLauro has repeatedly called for FDA action on tanningbeds, including:

· A bipartisanamendment that would have required the FDA to reclassify tanning beds

·MultipleletterstoFDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg, urging the agency to appropriately labeland classify tanning beds

· A speechurging the FDA to re-classify tanning beds in order to better inform thepublic about the health risk they pose

·Highlightinga report by the journal Lancet Oncology concluding the ultraviolet lightused in tanning beds is as carcinogenic as asbestos, radium, arsenic andcigarettes