Dec 19, 2015 08:49 AM EST By Rashmi Kalia, UniversityHerald Reporter

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has proposed a blanket ban on the use of electronic tanning devices by younger teens and children, Modern Readers reports.

The FDA has taken a step to banning anyone under 18 years of age from indoor tanning devices and sun lamps.  In addition, FDA has also proposed legislative changes that will require manufacturers of tanning products to explain clearly the dangers of using their sunbeds and lamps.

"Today's action is intended to help protect young people from a known and preventable cause of skin cancer and other harms," wrote FDA acting Commissioner Stephen Ostroff in a statement. 

"Individuals under 18 are at greatest risk of the adverse health consequences of indoor tanning."

The move by FDA is expected to step up America's fight against the increasing cases of skin cancer.

An increasing number of youngsters are known to be regularly using tanning devices, resulting in an alarming increase in the annual numbers in skin cancer rates.

The numbers have continued to increase despite the ongoing warnings from public health groups.

If the proposals are implemented, those wishing to continue using sunbeds will have to sign a document confirming their acknowledgment and understanding of the risks of using artificial tanning devices. 

The form will have to be signed prior to their first session, followed by a repeat signature every 6 months.

The proposed measures would also require sunbeds and lamps to be fitted with 'panic' buttons to shut them in case of emergencies.

In a statement about the proposed rules, the FDA reports that people who are exposed to radiation from indoor tanning are 59% more likely to develop melanoma compared to people who have never used indoor tanning, Time reports.

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