Politics & Government
14 Years Not Too Long for Sunscreen Expiration Legislation
Here's why you should toss that old suntan lotion away.
Legislation has finally passed both houses of the New York state legislature to require expiration dates on sunscreen.
The bill "has languished" in Albany for 14 years, said State Senator David Carlucci, who represents Rockland County and part of Westchester County.
Its purpose is to ensure New Yorkers are not using old, outdated sunscreen that has lost its ability to fight the sun’s UV rays.
How does sunscreen work? Most products absorb, reflect or scatter sunlight. They also contain chemicals to protect skin from UV rays.
According to the Mayo Clinic, sunscreen loses its effectiveness pretty promptly.- If it doesn't have an expiration date and it's more than 3 years old, throw it in the trash.
- If it has changed color or consistency, out it goes.
Anyway, if you're keeping sun screen from year to year, chances are you're not using enough, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Experts say it takes about an ounce to cover your exposed body parts liberally. Out in the sun just four times and a 4-oz tube of sun screen should be all used up.
Why use it at all? Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States.
Visit http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/ for more information on skin cancer prevention.
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