WASHINGTON, DC August 1, 2013 The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) today submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commending the agency for its proposal to reclassify tanning devices to address safety concerns associated with indoor tanning, but called for stronger guidance to best protect young adults from the most important avoidable known risk factor for skin cancer. The comments explained that by increasing the risk category of these devices to a class II medical device, the FDA will improve safety for consumers by ensuring that proper precautions are taken to prevent injury due to mechanical problems, ensure cleanliness, address eye safety, and update warning labels. ACS CAN urged the FDA to go a step further and restrict tanning bed access to all young adults under the age of 18. Given what we know about the harmful effects of indoor tanning devices, we believe that additional warning labels, even ones specifically geared toward those who are under age 18, do not go far enough in protecting America 's youth from the harmful effects of indoor tanning devices, the letter stated. A group of nine U.S. Senators sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg last week urging the FDA to finalize its proposed order to reclassify tanning beds and restrict minors from using and purchasing sunlamps as health issues from these devices continue to grow. ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Lauren Walens or Steven Weiss American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Phone: (202) 661-5763 or (202) 661-5711 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] #tanning #skincancer #cancer #FDA #tanningbed #ACSCAN