Tanning

There are over 800 facilities registered with over 2200 pieces of tanning equipment in South Carolina. Prior to operation, tanning facilities must register with the Division of Electronic Products and have their operating procedures approved. Inspections are performed on an annual basis. The prime interest in regulating these facilities is to prevent overexposure to ultraviolet radiation which causes a variety of adverse health effects ranging from erythema (sunburn) to malignant melanoma (deadly form of skin cancer). Areas reviewed during inspection include equipment performance standards, operator training, facility operation, consumer warnings, sanitation, and exposure control. The non-ionizing section also responds to public requests for information, consultation, and evaluation of concerns involving other sources of non-ionizing radiation such as lasers, microwave ovens and transmission towers, radiofrequency sources, and electromagnetic radiation from power lines and appliances.

For more information, contact Aaron Gantt at (803) 545-4400.