| Sunscreen, a necessity for a vacation at the beach, is just as important during back-to-school season, says Assembly Republican Budget Officer Nancy Munoz. The former nurse is pushing a policy to protect kids from the sun year-round by allowing students to use sunscreen, an over-the-counter-drug, in school.
“Children need protection during the entire day, including recess, sports, and outside activities. Sunscreen, along with protective clothing and shade, are the most effective ways to protect children from the risk of getting skin cancer,” Munoz (R-Union) said. “However, it is not readily accessible at schools without a doctor’s note because the Food and Drug Administration classifies it as an over-the-counter drug.”
Since the 1970s, sunscreen has been regulated as an over-the-counter drug, because it’s intended to prevent, treat, and mitigate disease. Sunscreen, like other nonprescription drugs, is subject to government standards for ingredients, testing, stability and labeling, as well as school policies.
Munoz’ bill (A1028) requires school districts to adopt a policy permitting all students, regardless of medical documentation, to use sunscreen and sun-protective clothing while they are outdoors or at school-sponsored activities. It is based on the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association’s SUNucate initiative, which is working to pass legislation that protects students from dangerous ultraviolet light exposure.
“Ninety percent of skin cancer is preventable. Helping to reduce our children’s UV ray exposure, while instilling in them lifelong sun-safe habits, is one of the best things we can do to protect them,” said Dr. Seth L. Matarasso, president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association.
According to medical experts, unprotected exposure to UV light is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Five or more sunburns more than doubles a person’s risk of developing potentially deadly melanoma.
“Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States even though the dangers of tanning and sun exposure are widely understood. Previous sun burning, particularly at younger ages, is a strong predictor of future skin cancer and especially melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer,” Munoz said. “It is up to us as adults to protect the health and wellbeing of New Jersey’s children through reasonable and commonsense legislation.”
The bill has been referred to the Assembly Education Committee. If passed, New Jersey would become the 29th state to pass the legislation allowing direct access to sunscreen in schools.
“Participating in sports or camps, and playing at recess, do not need to come at the expense of a child’s long-term health. Let us not have another school year go by without passing this piece of legislation that protects children from developing skin cancer,” Munoz added. |
