The federal government has proposed two new rules on Friday under which minors would not be allowed to use tanning devices. Adding to that, salon owners and manufacturers would need to modify tanning safety measures.

The US Food and Drug Administration has announced the steps that are quite similar to a state Senate measure sponsored by Sen. James Timilty that got a collective approval in Novemebr.

In a statement posted online, acting FDA Commissioner Stephen Ostroff, MD, said, “Today's action is intended to help protect young people from a known and preventable cause of skin cancer and other harms. Individuals under 18 years are at great risk of the adverse health consequences of indoor tanning”.

According to FDA, teens exposed to UV radiation can make them more vulnerable to developing skin, melanoma and eye damage later in life.

Besides, putting a limit on use of tanning devices, the FDA has proposed that adults using a tanning device have to sign a form, outlining health risks linked to tanning. The form has to be signed before first tanning session and after every six months.

Under the FDA rules, tanning device manufacturers and facilities, including spas, health clubs and salons, would be needed to make warning labels and signs quite prominent on the devices. They are required to enhance protective eyewear for cutting the light amount allowed via them. The rules would ban a tanning device modification without firstly re-certifying it with the FDA.

Ostroff acknowledged that grownups will continue to have permission of using tanning products, and said that the rules were more regarding aiding them in taking better decisions on the basis of ‘truthful information’.