Examination of Laws Allowing Sunscreen Use in Schools in the Context of UV Levels by State

Abstract

Purpose: Sunscreen use provides ultraviolet radiation (UV) protection but is often limited in school settings because sunscreen is classified as an over-the-counter drug product. Some US states have laws allowing students to carry and self-apply sunscreen. We examined these laws in the context of state UV levels.

Methods: We obtained legislative information through April 2020 from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association website and UV data for years 2005-2015 from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Environmental Public Health Tracking website.

Results: Twenty-three states and District of Columbia have sunscreen laws, including 11 states with UV levels above the median UV level across states. There was no significant association between state UV levels and sunscreen laws.

Conclusions: The presence of state sunscreen legislation has increased but is not associated with UV levels. Future research could examine the implementation and public health effects of these laws.

Keywords: Prevention; Schools; Skin cancer; Sun-safety; Sunscreen; UV.

Figure 1.

Annual average UV levels measured in erythemally weighted daily dose (EDD) (J/m²) from 2005 to 2015 in the contiguous United States, by state. ^aAlthough Colorado does not have a law in place allowing students to use sunscreen at schools, there is a regulation in place allowing children to possess and use sunscreen in child care centers and day camps (https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=973). ^bSunscreen Guidance refers to the guidance document produced by the Nebraska State Board of Education promoting sunscreen use in schools. ^cUnpassed sunscreen bills are proposed laws pending decision in the state legislature. ^dAlaska and Hawaii are not included in this graph because the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network did not include their data.