Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Youth indoor tanning is a significant public health problem, as there is a substantial increase in risk of lifetime melanoma skin cancer with use of indoor tanning at a young age. Many jurisdictions have enacted indoor tanning legislation in response to the health risks of artificial ultraviolet radiation exposure. Key components of these legislations include banning minor access, requiring parental consent or accompaniment, providing protective eyewear, posting health warning signs, and communicating important health risk information. However, legislation must be complied with to be impactful. Though indoor tanning legislation has been implemented, its effectiveness may not be optimal. This review aims to synthesize existing research around compliance with indoor tanning legislations. Results: There were 15 articles from around the world included in this study. Compliance with most aspects of indoor tanning legislation varied. Compliance with age restrictions ranged from 20% to 89% (mean= 55%; SD= 27), while compliance with posting warning labels in the required locations within a tanning facility ranged from 8% to 72% (mean= 44%; SD= 27). There was good compliance for provision of protective eyewear (84% to 100%; mean= 92%; SD= 8). Variability in compliance with indoor tanning legislation suggests there may be problems with enforcement of the legislations which indicates they are not having their intended protective effects on the public's health. The reasons for such low and varied compliance with certain aspects of legislation, and high compliance with other aspects of legislation, deserve further attention in future research to inform optimal practices around ensuring high and consistent compliance. Greater provisions for enforcement of indoor tanning legislation are needed. Optimal compliance with indoor tanning legislation will likely require increased inspection, mandatory and stricter penalties for infractions, and effective public health messaging.