Background: The prevalence rates of both skin cancers and indoor tanning am
ong the US population are high and have increased substantially in recent)
ears. Low compliance by indoor tanning facilities with safety regulations m
ay place consumers at greater risk of skin and ocular damage.
Objective: This study quantified the level of compliance by indoor tanning
facilities with selected federal and state regulations and recommendations.
Methods: Tanning facilities (N = 54) in San Diego County; California, were
visited by a confederate posing as a prospective customer. Compliance with
13 regulations/recommendations a cre assessed by either direct query or obs
ervation of the presence/absence of signs and warning labels. Operators' re
sponses to 5 risk-based questions also were noted.
Results: No facility complied with all 13 regulations/recommendations. Comp
liance with 3 protective eyewear regulations was high (89%-100%). In contra
st, compliance with maximum tanning frequency recommendations (approximatel
y 6%) and parental consent regulations (approximately 43%) was disturbingly
low.
Conclusion: The investigators recommend instituting mandatory comprehensive
training for operators, as well as systematic compliance monitoring with e
nforcement of penalties for noncompliance.