Compliance with federal and state legislation by indoor tanning facilities in San Diego

The prevalence rates of both skin cancers and indoor tanning among the US population are high and have increased substantially in recent years. Low compliance by indoor tanning facilities with safety regulations may place consumers at greater risk of skin and ocular damage.

This study quantified the level of compliance by indoor tanning facilities with selected federal and state regulations and recommendations.

Tanning facilities (N = 54) in San Diego County, California, were visited by a confederate posing as a prospective customer. Compliance with 13 regulations/recommendations were assessed by either direct query or observation of the presence/absence of signs and warning labels. Operators' responses to 5 risk-based questions also were noted.

No facility complied with all 13 regulations/recommendations. Compliance with 3 protective eyewear regulations was high (89%-100%). In contrast, compliance with maximum tanning frequency recommendations (approximately 6%) and parental consent regulations (approximately 43%) was disturbingly low.

The investigators recommend instituting mandatory, comprehensive training for operators, as well as systematic compliance monitoring with enforcement of penalties for noncompliance.