Indoor Tanning
Tanning is a result of skin injury and damage. It is the response when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The skin produces extra pigment to protect itself against the UV radiation and this pigment makes the skin look darker. Exposure to UV radiation increases your health risks.
The purpose of the Tanning Facilities Program is to license (permit) and inspect commercial tanning facilities, as well as increase the public's knowledge of the hazards of indoor tanning, minimize user injuries and limit tanning access by minors.
Permit Requirements
For information on obtaining a Permit to Operate a tanning facility, contact the state or local health department currently designated as the Permit Issuing Official in your area.
- Permit Issuing Officials by County are available on an interactive map.
Tanning Access by Minors
New York State regulation prohibits persons under fourteen (14) years of age from using UV radiation devices. It requires that persons fourteen (14) to seventeen (17) years of age have a parent or legal guardian sign a consent form before using UV radiation devices. Persons eighteen (18) years of age or older must provide a driver's license or other photo identification, issued by a government entity or educational institution, before using UV radiation devices.
Required Information and Consent Forms
- Tanning Hazards Information Sheet
- Tanning Facility Statement of Acknowledgement Form
- Tanning Facility Parental Consent Form
- Warning Sign (PDF, 72KB, 1pg.)
Regulations
- Part 72, Subpart 72-1 Tanning Facilities
- 21 CFR 1040.20, Sunlamp products and ultraviolet lamps intended for use in sunlamp products
Related Links
- United States Food and Drug Administration - Information about skin tanning, UV exposure and UV emitting products
- New York State Department of Health Information on Skin Cancer
- Skin Cancer in New York State - 2010 Report
Contact Information
Questions related to obtaining a Permit to Operate a tanning facility, should be directed to your County's Permit Issuing Official.
New York State Department of HealthCenter for Environmental Health
Bureau of Community Environmental Health and Food Protection
Flanigan Square, Room 515
547 River Street
Troy, New York 12180-2216
518-402-7600
e-mail: bcehfp@health.state.ny.us
