The FDA advisory panel banned the use of tanning-bed by people who have Fitzpatrick skin type 1, as people with this type of skin are prone to sunburns, when exposed to sunlight or tanning lamps.

The panel unanimously proposed to change tanning beds' Class I device designation, which is the least restrictive classification for the apparatus that pose least risk to the users. For instance, elastic bandages and hand-held surgical devices.

Half of the panel supported making tanning beds Class II devices, which prerequisite labeling requirements or mandatory performance standards that they are in no way harmful. For example X-ray machines and powered wheelchairs.

Half of the other members want tanning beds listed as Class III devices, which include implanted pacemakers and silicon breast-augmentation gels. They require special controls like operator training requirements and also require premarket approval by the FDA.

Medical groups applauded the recommendations by the panel. Allan Halpern, MD, vice president of the Skin Cancer Foundation said, “The skin cancer and dermatologic communities came together and presented compelling personal stories and rigorous scientific evidence demonstrating the dangers of indoor tanning”.

Though, the Indoor Tanning Association, which represents the 18,000 tanning salons in the U. S., disagrees with the recommendations.