Regulation of tanning beds by the US Food and Drug Administration is nothing new, but with more and more young people choosing to bake in the beds - and constant reports linking their use to cancer - the FDA is set to meet this March to discuss tightening restrictions.

Says Dr. Emilia Ploplys, a plastic surgeon at the Great Falls Clinic, “a nice, healthy glow is always something that people think looks good.”

And for many, hopping into a tanning bed is the way to do it. But is it the best way?

Last summer, the World Health Organization took tanning beds off the list of "probable" carcinogens, and categorized them as definitive cancer causers.

Now, the FDA is considering following their lead.

“Tanning bed exposure increases the amount of UV radiation, which is a proven carcinogen. With people exposed to a tanning bed, they have about a 75% increased chance of melanoma,” reveals Dr. Ploplys.

Some argue there are actually positive health benefits to tanning bed use

“Tanning beds do help the body produce natural vitamin D, which has been shown to help osteoporosis, prostate, colon cancer – different things of that nature,” says Greg Hall, manager at Gold’s Gym in Great Falls, which provides tanning beds.

Right now, tanning beds do contain warning labels - and users are required to use protective eye wear. But the US Food and Drug Administration isn't so sure that's enough to get the message across.

The harmful effects of UV overexposure is something Dr. Ploplys regularly sees in her practice

“About 50% of my practice in Great Falls is actually removal of skin cancers and reconstruction of people’s faces after skin cancer is removed,” Dr. Ploplys tells NewsChannel 5.

What specific changes the F-D-A decides to make remain to be seen, but whatever the case, both sides agree on one thing..

“Care, moderation and responsibility – like anything – are paramount to the user of the tanning bed,” says Hall.
Separate from these tighter restrictions is a proposed federal tax on tanning bed users, which is currently pending legislation.