According to one proponent, New Jersey has regulated sunscreen as an over-the-counter drug since the 1970s.
Since the 1970s, New Jersey has controlled sunblock as an over-the-counter medicine, meaning that it can be banned in schools.
State Assemb. Nancy Munoz, R-Union, presented a bill on Wednesday directing schools to permit students to use sunscreen and assist staff and faculty in certain situations.
According to Munoz, a nurse, visiting the Jersey Shore isn’t the only place people are vulnerable to the consequences of sun exposure.
She stated, “Children need protection during the 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.”
“However, it is not readily accessible at schools without a doctor’s note because the [FDA] classifies it as an over-the-counter drug.”
Munoz noticed Sunblock is indeed subjected to state regulation and testing for treating or preventing diseases; however, students need to access it.
President of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, Dr. Seth Matarasso, told the media on Thursday that 90% of skin cancer is preventable.
He said: “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.”
“I’m pleased New Jersey is taking the initiative to protect children from overexposure to the sun.”
Munoz said skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States; she added that Unprotected ultraviolet light exposure is the most preventable skin cancer risk factor.
Last September, an aggressive form of skin cancer known as Merkel-cell carcinoma took away the life of Jimmy Buffett, a “Margaritaville” scribe and longtime performer. In the last alone, nearly 8000 other Americans died from more common melanoma skin cancer.
Munoz said, “It is up to us as adults to protect the well-being and the health of New Jersey’s children through reasonable and commonsense legislation,” adding that recess and scholastic recess should not come with such risks.
As of Thursday morning, Assemb. Michele Matsikoudis, R-New Providence, co-sponsored the bill.
Another Garden State lawmaker raised the alarm on skin cancer risks, introducing a “Sunscreen Safety Plan” to streamline the Food and Drugs Authority’s approval process, among other goals.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., stated, “One in five people in American will develop skin cancer in 70s, and more than two people die of skin cancer in our country every hour.”
“It’s critical that more Americans wear sunscreen and that we all have access to the absolute best and latest sun-protecting products on the market.”
Gotthiemer also stated that only 35% of US-marketed sunblocks pass reportedly more severe European Union standards.
