Urge Congress to Increase Indoor Tanning Regulations

We encourage you to write your representative in Congress to co-sponsor two congressional bills that would increase funding for research on melanoma and other skin cancers (H.R. 5716) and increase federal regulation of tanning beds (H.R. 1676).

H.R. 5716, the Melanoma Research Act, has been introduced by Representatives Brian Bilbray (California) and Carolyn Maloney (New York).  The Melanoma Research Act would establish a fund dedicated to research on all skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.  The funding source for the Skin Cancer Research Fund will come from existing user fees derived from indoor tanning services. According to a September 2011 report, tanning service user fees have generated $54.4 million. 

H.R 1676, the Tanning Bed Cancer Control Act, has been introduced by Representatives Maloney and Charles Dent (Pennsylvania). The Tanning Bed Cancer Control Act calls on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review the current classification of indoor tanning devices and adjust its classification to reflect the significant scientific evidence currently on record documenting the serious health risks posed by exposure to tanning beds.  Currently FDA classifies tanning beds as a Class I medical device, the same category as bandages and tongue depressors.

We ask that you write your Member of Congress to cosponsor both H.R. 5716, the Melanoma Research Act, and H.R. 1676, the Tanning Bed Cancer Control Act. To obtain your representative's contact information, visit http://www.house.gov/ and enter your zip code.