Tanning facilities are not regulated by the State of New Jersey and the number of tanning facilities is rapidly growing throughout the State; various physical complications can arise from frequent and unsupervised use of these tanning facilities such as, overexposure to ultraviolet radiation which can cause severe sunburn and eye injury including cataracts and corneal damage; repeated exposure to ultraviolet light in tanning facilities can also cause premature aging of the skin, skin cancers and abnormal skin sensitivity in persons who may be using certain drugs including some tranquilizers, diuretics, antibiotics, high blood pressure medicines and birth control pills.

It is, therefore, desirable that citizens are protected against any problems which may result from improperly functioning equipment in tanning facilities, and given the potential for harm that is presented by establishments using artificial suntan sources, it is imperative that effective minimum safety standards in this health area be established.

L.1989, c.234, s.1.