The department conducts inspection on tanning beds and tanning booths that are available for public use in 13 counties in North Iowa. Inspections are conducted to protect people who use tanning facilities from unintended or over exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation may cause eye and skin injury, allergic reactions, premature aging of the skin, skin cancer, eye burns and long term injury to eyes.

During inspections facility records are reviewed; proper signage and labeling is checked; sanitation is reviewed; bed/booth construction, maintenance, and design are checked; and customer protection policies are reviewed.

The tanning facility is charged an inspection fee of $33 per bed or booth up to a maximum of $330.

Safe tanning tips

The department conducts inspections on tattoo establishments for 13 counties in North Iowa. Inspections are conducted to protect the public from diseases that may be transmitted from one person to another through unsanitary or unsafe conditions. People who get tattoos and their future contacts are at risk for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, other blood borne pathogens and infections if proper procedures are not in place.

During inspections, inspectors check sterilization equipment and records, facility and equipment sanitation and condition, artist procedures and sanitary measures that are used during the tattooing procedure, facility records and after care instruction and education.

The tattoo operators are charged an inspection fee. The fee for a tattoo establishment inspection is $200.

More information about tattoo regulations can be found at the Iowa Department of Public Health web site: http://www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/toxicology_env_health.asp#tattoos