The federal government is proposing banning minors from using tanning beds, a move the American Academy of Dermatology said is critical to preventing skin cancer.

The proposed rules by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would ban anyone under age 18 from using indoor tanning beds. The agency also is proposing tanning salons better inform customers about the risks of tanning beds through the use of signage.

In announcing the new rules, FDA pointed to data collected by AAD that found that people exposed to indoor tanning radiation are 59 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors.

"Today's action is intended to help protect young people from a known and preventable cause of skin cancer and other harms," acting FDA Commissioner Stephen Ostroff said. "Individuals under 18 years are at greatest risk of the adverse health consequences of indoor tanning." http://1.usa.gov/1V2INRJ

AAD hailed the new rules in a statement. The group noted that 42 states have already enacted indoor tanning restrictions due to the risks involved.

"Restricting teens' access to indoor tanning and educating all users about the dangers of tanning devices are critical steps to preventing skin cancer," the group said. "As medical doctors who diagnose and treat skin cancer, dermatologists are committed to reducing its incidence and saving lives."

As for the response from the tanning industry, the Indoor Tanning Association said it supports label changes to warn customers about the potential risks of tanning. However, it said the decision about whether young people should use tanning booths is best left up to parents, not the government.

"We are concerned that the proposed requirements will burden our members with addition[al] unnecessary governmental costs in an already difficult economic climate," John Overstreet, executive director of the association, told CNN. http://cnn.it/1keWdwH

MORE CEO DATELINE

• Business groups blast Obama efforts to fight climate change
• Electric co-op association begins search for new CEO
• Fantasy sports group willing to accept some regulation
• Veterinarian group clears Santa's reindeer for flight
• Telecom associations tie Internet taxes to net neutrality