Experts recommend FDA ban on teen tanning

GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND; March 25, 2010 A Food and Drug Administration panel recommends the agency put tighter controls on artificial tanning, ranging from requiring parental consent forms to banning the practice in younger teens.

"Given the absence of any demonstrated benefit, I think it's an obligation for us to ban artificial tanning for those under 18," said panelist Dr. Michael Olding.

Other experts on the 16-member panel said the evidence is not strong enough to warrant a total ban.

The FDA is reviewing its tanning bed regulations after a recent analysis linked the devices to skin cancer.