| Airbrush Tanning: What You Need to Know |
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| Regulation to Begin in 2007 |
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Most everyone knows that UV rays from the sun—and from traditional tanning beds or booths—may be detrimental to your health. But what about airbrush tanning? Here is a quick look at what is known about the relatively new but growing practice and why the Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA) and Board of Cosmetology have pursued regulation to protect consumers.
Why Regulate? Two reasons: 1) concerns over internal exposure to the spray solution used in airbrush tanning; 2) airbrush tanning fits the statutory definition of esthetics (“…The use of the hands or mechanical or electrical apparatuses or appliances for cleansing, stimulating, manipulating, exfoliating or applying lotions or creams…” to keep skin “…healthy and attractive….”)
How Dangerous? The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the most widely used color additive in airbrush tanning solutions—dihydroxyacetone, or DHA—is restricted to external application. While DHA has been approved by the FDA as a tanner since 1977, it shouldn’t be sprayed in or on the mouth, eyes or nose. FDA officials, being cautious, state that DHA should not be ingested, inhaled or exposed to the eye area or mucous membranes because “the risks, if any, are unknown.”
What Precautions? The FDA recommends protective measures for the eyes, nose and mucous membranes:
- Goggles for the eyes
- Nose plug for nostrils
- Ear plug for ears
- Balm or other coating for lips
Regulation Underway? Yes. However, OHLA and the Board of Cosmetology are allowing for a transition period until the end of 2006 to provide practitioners time to gain the required education without causing undue hardship on existing airbrush tanning businesses and professionals.
Special Note: UV-based Tanning Systems Regulated by DHS -- Tanning beds used for public, not private, use are regulated by the Department of Human Services, Radiation Protection Services. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/rps/tanpkt.shtml.
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| Public, Practitioner Education |
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To provide the public and practitioners with comprehensive information related to the pending regulation of airbrush tanning starting in 2007, the Oregon Health Licensing Agency and Board of Cosmetology are launching an education campaign in 2006.
The following materials are being distributed to the approximately 700 existing tanning salons in Oregon and to the more than 4,000 licensed cosmetology facilities:
(All documents are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader version 6.0 or higher. Click here to download the latest copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.)
Letter to Airbrush Tanning Practitioners
News Release to Media
Airbrush Tanning Fact Sheet
Board of Cosmetology Position Statement (to be reviewed for approval at May 8, 2006, Board of Cosmetology meeting )
Resources & Requirements for Practitioners
Airbrush Tanning Brochure
Questions or comments? Contact OHLA at 503-378-8667 or ohla.info@state.or.us.
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