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n2doc

(47,953 posts)
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 12:43 PM Jun 2014

Sunscreen, "a toxic substance", not allowed in Texas school without doctor's note

SAN ANTONIO, TX (KSAT) — Christy Riggs, a parent of a student attending Northeast Independent School District in San Antonio, TX says, "It just doesn't make sense."

Parent Christy Riggs is upset. Her 10-year old daughter went on a school field trip recently and came back sun burned. Riggs says Northeast ISD policy didn't allow her daughter to bring sunscreen to reapply.

Riggs tells KSAT, "When you have a school field trip or a field day which they're out there for an extended period of time, they should be allowed to carry sunscreen and reapply." She says skin cancer runs in her family. In fact, her father recently passed away from it.

Northeast ISD says sunscreen is considered a medication. They need to have a doctor's note for children to have sunscreen at school.

more

http://www.kmsstv.com/news/sunscreen-toxic-substance-not-allowed-texas-school-without-doctors-note

45 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Sunscreen, "a toxic substance", not allowed in Texas school without doctor's note (Original Post) n2doc Jun 2014 OP
Watch someone try to defend this. What idiots at this school system thought this up? n/t pnwmom Jun 2014 #1
The idiocy will not stop TransitJohn Jun 2014 #2
Sunscreen... TeeYiYi Jun 2014 #3
Didn't say it should. TransitJohn Jun 2014 #7
No rational adult would have thought you need a doctor's note for sunscreen. hobbit709 Jun 2014 #4
Well, the parents who bothered to read the school's policies are what, irrational? TransitJohn Jun 2014 #6
It didn't say it was written. It just said "school policy" hobbit709 Jun 2014 #9
If it's not written, how are parents given notice of it? n/t pnwmom Jun 2014 #24
Parents who read the handbook wouldn't find the word sunscreen anywhere. pnwmom Jun 2014 #18
Only an idiot would think it necessary to get a doctors note for sunscreen pipoman Jun 2014 #5
Right, where did I say otherwise? TransitJohn Jun 2014 #8
What parent would ever imagine that sunscreen might not be allowed? pnwmom Jun 2014 #12
What parent? Blue_Adept Jun 2014 #19
The handbook doesn't mention sunscreen anywhere. And the policy it claims to have pnwmom Jun 2014 #20
But with any field trip - you ask Blue_Adept Jun 2014 #30
I never did. I always sent sunscreen and my kids used it. No one ever stopped them, pnwmom Jun 2014 #32
My parents never did. tammywammy Jun 2014 #37
What parent is going to think that there is a policy restricting sunscreen use Maedhros Jun 2014 #31
I agree. What kind of crazy world are we living in, where you need a legal degree pnwmom Jun 2014 #33
This message was self-deleted by its author TransitJohn Jun 2014 #39
This is San Antonio. Almost all kids should be using sunscreen if they're outside all day. pnwmom Jun 2014 #11
A parent could read that district's entire handbook and not see a word about sunscreen. pnwmom Jun 2014 #17
So Is Axe Body Spray, Pantene, and otohara Jun 2014 #10
You think they should ban sunscreen? Are you worried, as they are, pnwmom Jun 2014 #13
Just The Toxic Ones otohara Jun 2014 #22
The AMA has called on all schools to allow sunscreen use by students. pnwmom Jun 2014 #23
The Same AMA and EPA, ALA otohara Jun 2014 #26
are you serious? Which study says that sunscreen harms the immune system? alp227 Jun 2014 #35
Oh I See... otohara Jun 2014 #40
"choose not to use chemical on my kids." alp227 Jun 2014 #41
Toxic People otohara Jun 2014 #45
Axe has shut down an entire school before n2doc Jun 2014 #21
Hmmm....looks like the etreme Tx. heat has damaged the brains napi21 Jun 2014 #14
If they're so afraid their elementary age kids might EAT sunscreen, pnwmom Jun 2014 #16
*facepalm* sakabatou Jun 2014 #15
Everything's bigger in Texas, including the stupid. TeamPooka Jun 2014 #25
My insurance policy at work is somewhat similar arcane1 Jun 2014 #27
That's not the same at all. Not even close. ret5hd Jun 2014 #28
That's the stupidest thing I've read in a while. tammywammy Jun 2014 #29
Schools are going nuts over no-drug policies. But saying they're concerned pnwmom Jun 2014 #34
Being so faired skinned... tammywammy Jun 2014 #36
We've got a redhead. We never had a teacher who didn't ENCOURAGE sunscreen. n/t pnwmom Jun 2014 #38
You have way to much faith in children... Lancero Jun 2014 #44
I'm blond but I tan pretty easily Aerows Jun 2014 #42
In our pediatric practice, we are called on daily... 3catwoman3 Jun 2014 #43

TransitJohn

(6,932 posts)
2. The idiocy will not stop
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 12:45 PM
Jun 2014

but not getting the doctor's note was stupid, too. A parent that wanted their kid to use sunscreen should make sure their kid can use sunscreen.

hobbit709

(41,694 posts)
4. No rational adult would have thought you need a doctor's note for sunscreen.
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 12:47 PM
Jun 2014

Another example of zero tolerance carried to extremes.

TransitJohn

(6,932 posts)
6. Well, the parents who bothered to read the school's policies are what, irrational?
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 12:52 PM
Jun 2014

Of course it's stupid, as all zero tolerance is, but I'm sure there were parents of other children who actually cared enough about their kids to read the policy. Not defending the school or the idiotic policy, but calling out the parent for complaining after the fact about being stupid, too, rather than actively parenting.

hobbit709

(41,694 posts)
9. It didn't say it was written. It just said "school policy"
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 12:57 PM
Jun 2014

A lot of "policies" in bureaucratic organizations are not written and handed out.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
18. Parents who read the handbook wouldn't find the word sunscreen anywhere.
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 01:33 PM
Jun 2014

I don't think you should have to have a law degree to interpret a school handbook.

I think the parents who send their children to school with sunscreen are actively parenting, and the ones who fail to protect them against sunburns are not.

TransitJohn

(6,932 posts)
8. Right, where did I say otherwise?
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 12:54 PM
Jun 2014

But an active engaged parent would inform themselves to the school's policies. I AM NOT DEFENDING THE IDIOCY OF THE SCHOOL.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
12. What parent would ever imagine that sunscreen might not be allowed?
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 01:10 PM
Jun 2014

It was actively encouraged at all my kids' schools, and we hardly have sun compared to San Antonio.

The school district’s handbook for students doesn’t mention sunscreen anywhere. And its anti-drug policy only allows prescription drugs—not over-the-counter sunscreen with a doctor’s note. What reasonable parent would read this policy and think it had anything to do with sunscreen?

http://www.neisd.net/pupil/documents/ElementaryHandbookENG2013-14_000.pdf

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
No students shall possess, use, transmit or be under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol, such as, but not limited to, any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, toxicant inhalant, marijuana like substances that are commonly found in K2, Spice, and other synthetic marijuana products, or any substance with hallucinogenic or mind-altering properties or other intoxicant (as those items are defined by law), or over-the-counter drugs, medications, or remedies, such as but not limited to, homeopathic products, vitamins, herbs, dietary supplements, etc.:
• • On school grounds during any school term.
• • Off school grounds at a school activity, function, or event.
• • Within 300 feet of District property.

This policy shall apply in the event pills or other substances are simulated or represented as any of the previously mentioned controlled substances and shall apply to any type of drug paraphernalia.
Students who use a drug as authorized by a licensed physician through a prescription specifically issued for the students' use shall not be considered to have violated this rule as long as they follow the guidelines set forth by NEISD Health Services.
Cars and lockers may be searched for alcohol and drugs in accordance with Board Policy FNF (Local). Students are held responsible for any prohibited item(s) found in their locker, car, or on their person and are subject to disciplinary action.
Students who violate this policy on alcohol and drug use shall be subject to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent or his designee, which may include, but not limited to, removal to the alternative education placement, and/or expulsion.



DRUG FREE SCHOOLS
NEISD believes that student use of alcohol and illicit drugs is both wrong and harmful. Consequently, the District has established a Student Code of Conduct that prohibits using, giving, selling, possessing, being under the influence of, and/or distributing alcohol and/or illicit drugs or prescription drugs by students on school premises or within 300 feet of District property or as part of any school activity, regardless of its location. Compliance with this Student Code of Conduct is mandatory, and students shall be disciplined if they are found to have violated this Student Code of Conduct. Students found to be involved in an alcohol and/or drug violation are subject to removal to an alternative education placement of not less than 30 school days and/or a possible expulsion from the District. [Board Policy FNCF (Legal) and Health and Safety Code 481.134 and 483.001]
THE USE OF ILLICIT DRUGS AND UNLAWFUL POSSESSION AND USE OF ALCOHOL IS WRONG AND HARMFUL.

Blue_Adept

(6,384 posts)
19. What parent?
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 01:33 PM
Jun 2014

Honestly, just about all parents should imagine it.

These stories are not uncommon. We hear them regularly. Parents need to look at the specific paperwork for a field trip. They need to inquire about things like this because they can't just assume.

My 8th grader did the trip to DC a few weeks ago and we had that initial meeting way back in October of last year. And several meetings since then.

EVERY meeting, and I mean every meeting and repeatedly throughout it, parents asked about medication and were given the strict, simple instructions on it. But they kept asking and asking because they couldn't understand why the rules were that way. It's a both sides issue being the reason things come down like this.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
20. The handbook doesn't mention sunscreen anywhere. And the policy it claims to have
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 01:36 PM
Jun 2014

isn't written in the handbook, because the only "drugs" it allows are prescription drugs.

Few parents think of sunscreen lotions as a drug. And you shouldn't have to have a law degree to read a student handbook.

Blue_Adept

(6,384 posts)
30. But with any field trip - you ask
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 03:33 PM
Jun 2014

About anything that may go with the student beyond what's said to be brought with any paperwork or forms. If you get the field trip slip and it lists what to bring, but does not say sunscreen, you inquire.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
32. I never did. I always sent sunscreen and my kids used it. No one ever stopped them,
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 03:41 PM
Jun 2014

and if they had, they would have had a letter from my attorney. My district never had a policy banning it, and our state rewrote the law to allow sunscreens a couple years ago, after a parent complained in a different district.

CA has a law protecting sunscreen use -- and hats -- from school policies banning them. Every state should have California's law.

tammywammy

(26,582 posts)
37. My parents never did.
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 04:23 PM
Jun 2014

A little common sense, their child would be outside all day at the park/zoo/field day my mom sent me to school with sunblock and a hat. Sunblock isn't a drug by any stretch of the imagination. How silly to think a parent would have to ask if it's okay if their child that's spending all day outside can have sunblock.

 

Maedhros

(10,007 posts)
31. What parent is going to think that there is a policy restricting sunscreen use
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 03:38 PM
Jun 2014

and that they need to go read it?

This obsession with following the exact letter of the law even when it's proven spurious and nonsensical, and then shaming those who don't, is destroying our country.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
33. I agree. What kind of crazy world are we living in, where you need a legal degree
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 03:42 PM
Jun 2014

to understand your child's school handbook?

Response to Maedhros (Reply #31)

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
11. This is San Antonio. Almost all kids should be using sunscreen if they're outside all day.
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 01:08 PM
Jun 2014

It would make more sense to require them to bring notes excusing themselves from the need to protect their skin while they're outside.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
17. A parent could read that district's entire handbook and not see a word about sunscreen.
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 01:30 PM
Jun 2014

Do you have kids? I sent sunscreen with my kids to school for field days, and never once considered that our administrators would be so STUPID that they'd ban something that prevents sunburn.

Or that they'd be so STUPID as to think elementary kids might be eating sunscreen. (That's what the administrator said -- they might ingest it.)

 

otohara

(24,135 posts)
10. So Is Axe Body Spray, Pantene, and
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 01:08 PM
Jun 2014

hundreds of other nasty fragrant products.

I wish they'd ban them all and GUNS.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
13. You think they should ban sunscreen? Are you worried, as they are,
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 01:12 PM
Jun 2014

that children might eat it?

How about we feed children real food instead?

 

otohara

(24,135 posts)
22. Just The Toxic Ones
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 02:06 PM
Jun 2014

people just don't understand that the skin is the largest organ and slathering on corporate toxic products that go straight into your blood stream is doing a great deal of harm to your immune system.

Many of these toxic products are so effing fragrant they are triggers for those who suffer migraines, asthma, dizziness.

Here's a list of the most/least toxic sunscreens.

http://www.rodalenews.com/safer-sunscreen

All these toxins also end up in our water and air too - put them on, wash them off, wash your clothes in stinky Tide, throw them in the dryer with stinky dryer sheets. Chemicals will be the death of us all.

So no eating them is not the problem - comprender?

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
23. The AMA has called on all schools to allow sunscreen use by students.
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 02:13 PM
Jun 2014

It should be up to parents to decide what sunscreens their children will use.

The schools aren't banning them because of toxins. They're banning them because they're lazy, and a zero drug policy is easier to enforce.



http://www.today.com/parents/ama-supports-use-sunscreen-schools-6C10382053

That sunscreen ban has the American Medical Association irked. And yesterday the doctors’ group responded with a resolution supporting the exemption of sunscreens from rules that bar students from bringing over-the-counter medications to school without a doctor’s note.


“We had reports of a number of kids from across the country who suffered from sunburns because they were not allowed to bring and use sunscreen,” said Dr. Alexander Ding, a member of the AMA’s board of trustees and chief fellow in imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. “We think that’s a problem, particularly for those playing outside at recess and on field trips.”

The resolution by the AMA “supports the exemption of sunscreen from over-the-counter medication possession bans in schools and encourages all schools to allow students to bring and possess sunscreen without restriction.”

The AMA went even one step further suggesting it should be OK for teachers to provide their students with sunscreen, “without requiring the teacher to assist in application.”

 

otohara

(24,135 posts)
26. The Same AMA and EPA, ALA
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 02:48 PM
Jun 2014

The American Medical Association (AMA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Lung Association (ALA) all recognize that scented products can aggravate asthma and respiratory problems.

Modern Chemical Controls Policy
The AMA adopted new policy calling on Congress to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976, the only major environmental law that has never been updated since its adoption. The TSCA does not currently require toxicological testing of chemicals before they are used, and many toxic chemicals are in use today. Dangerous chemicals disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and communities through proximity to industrial production facilities, landfills and contaminated properties. The AMA will work with relevant stakeholders to modernize the TSCA to require chemical manufacturers to provide adequate safety information on all chemicals and give federal regulatory agencies reasonable authority to regulate hazardous chemicals.
"Exposure to toxic chemicals is associated with numerous health issues, including higher rates of cancer, asthma, low birth weight, autoimmune diseases, diabetes and obesity," said AMA Board Member Stephen Permut, M.D, J.D. "Ensuring these substances are safe will help better protect public health and patient safety."

There's better options available when it comes to sunscreen...Walgreens brand isn't one of them. How about this, the school put out a list of safe options for sunscreens.

alp227

(31,962 posts)
35. are you serious? Which study says that sunscreen harms the immune system?
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 03:48 PM
Jun 2014

I'd rather apply "corporate toxic products" on my skin than get skin cancer, any day.

"Corporate toxic products"? Seriously? If they were really as bad as you say they are, I should've died 10 years ago.

 

otohara

(24,135 posts)
40. Oh I See...
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 05:22 PM
Jun 2014

It's about you, by all means continue to consume toxins - I choose not to and I choose not to use chemical on my kids. The fact that you haven't died means nothing - dying takes a long time. It's like smokers saying "I'm going die anyway" Sure, but prior to dying from ciggies comes emphysema, COPD, cancer, portable oxygen tanks, etc... it can take years, or not.

Toxic ingredients?
The Environmental Working Group says 56% of beach and sport sunscreens contain the chemical oxybenzone. The primary function of oxybenzone is to absorb ultraviolet light, but some research shows oxybenzone can be absorbed through the skin.
The Environmental Working Group and other toxicology experts believe that oxybenzone is linked to hormone disruption and potentially to cell damage that may lead to skin cancer.
The American Academy of Dermatology says oxybenzone is safe.
"Oxybenzone is one of the few FDA-approved ingredients that provides effective broad spectrum protection from UV radiation, and has been approved for use since 1978," said Dr. Daniel M. Siegel, president of the academy.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved oxybenzone in sunscreen for use on children older than 6 months.
"We will continue to push for better options every year. We're trying to fill the gap where the FDA has failed," said Leiba.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/health/sunscreen-report/

Your Sunscreen Might Be Poisoning You
By Arthur W. Perry, MD, FACS Dr. Perry is a board certified plastic surgeon, an Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia University, and a member of the Medical Advisory Board for The Dr. Oz Show.

Sunscreens have been around for nearly 100 years. The goal was to block ultraviolet (UV) light, the harmful rays of the sun. Sunscreens started out with pasty zinc oxide that no one would use. So scientists created sunscreens with clear chemicals that absorbed UV light. In 1944, Coppertone® became the first mass marketed sunscreen. Fast forward to now, when about a billion dollars worth of sunscreen are sold each year in the United States.

UV light causes skin cancer and prematurely ages the skin, and so it’s very important to protect our skin with sunscreen. We don’t want to block sunshine completely – about 20 minutes each day is good for us – it boosts our vitamin D and improves our mood. Beyond 20 minutes, however, and our immune system suffers. We either need to spend the rest of the day inside or protect our skin with sunscreen.

There are 17 individual sunscreen ingredients that are FDA approved: 15 of these are clear chemicals that absorb UV light and two are made of minerals that reflect UV light. Of these 15, nine are known endocrine disruptors. To be effective, chemical sunscreens need to be rubbed into their skin 20 minutes before sun exposure. They do a pretty good job at blocking UV light, but they actually get used up as the sun shines on them. In fact, some sunscreens lose as much as 90% of their effectiveness in just an hour, so they need to be reapplied often. This is not the case with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the two mineral, or physical, sunscreens. These two work very differently – they sit on the surface of the skin and physically block UV light. http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/your-sunscreen-might-be-poisoning-you

alp227

(31,962 posts)
41. "choose not to use chemical on my kids."
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 05:26 PM
Jun 2014

Sigh. I cringe when I see people demonizing "chemicals". Newsflash: EVERYTHING has chemicals, whether an apple, a computer, or a tree. Furthermore, "American Academy of Dermatology says oxybenzone is safe" says your first linked article. Your second source, Mehmet Oz, is a quack.

These stories about the evils of sunscreen are just that, B.S.

napi21

(45,806 posts)
14. Hmmm....looks like the etreme Tx. heat has damaged the brains
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 01:13 PM
Jun 2014

of the school board members! I used to live in that area. Most of the people there are about as rational as Texans can be. I can't imagine WHY they would have come up with such an idiotic policy.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
16. If they're so afraid their elementary age kids might EAT sunscreen,
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 01:27 PM
Jun 2014

maybe they should make sure they're feeding them enough actual food.

 

arcane1

(38,613 posts)
27. My insurance policy at work is somewhat similar
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 03:03 PM
Jun 2014

There are certain things you can be reimbursed on, and sunscreen is one of them. BUT, it has to be over a certain SPF (pretty much anything except the very weakest), and you have to have a doctor's note.

tammywammy

(26,582 posts)
29. That's the stupidest thing I've read in a while.
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 03:27 PM
Jun 2014

As a red headed, fair skinned person sunscreen is essential. I grew up in Texas, and during elementary school (late 80s - early 90s), I brought my sunblock and hats to field day, days at the park, etc and the teachers would help me if I needed it.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
34. Schools are going nuts over no-drug policies. But saying they're concerned
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 03:43 PM
Jun 2014

children might INGEST sunscreen is the dumbest thing I've heard.

Lancero

(2,984 posts)
44. You have way to much faith in children...
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 06:07 PM
Jun 2014

Seriously.

Realistically though, this is a covering our asses move. Given how lawsuit happy people are these days, schools have to put in place these over the top rules in order to prevent parents from suing them when their kid decides, or is encouraged by other children, do so something very stupid.

 

Aerows

(39,961 posts)
42. I'm blond but I tan pretty easily
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 05:31 PM
Jun 2014

Still, I burn if out too long (an hour) without sunscreen. My sister is a FAIR blond. She can't stay out very long even WITH sunscreen. She had 2nd degree burns on her shoulders once and had to go to the hospital because she was in the sun too long.

If you can't wear sunscreen, wear a hat, long sleeves, pants and linger in the shade.

3catwoman3

(23,820 posts)
43. In our pediatric practice, we are called on daily...
Sat Jun 7, 2014, 05:55 PM
Jun 2014

Last edited Sat Jun 7, 2014, 06:44 PM - Edit history (1)

...to write letters giving MD/NP permission for kids to take over-the-counter meds at school. I am firmly of the opinion that if a parent can buy a treatment without a prescription, then the parent should be able to give permission for use of said treatment. I consider it a colas sol waste of professional time to have to write "doctor's notes" for things like Tylenol or Clari tin. Prescription meds, of course, are another story.

When our older son was in middle school, the science classes were going to do their annual fall "problem solving" field trip out at a wildlife preserve. The information on the paperwork forbade the bringing of insect repellent. We live in the far northwest suburbs of Chicago, where the mosquitoes are plentiful in the fall. West Nile virus was was being diagnosed daily.

I raised holy hell about this, all the way up to the school board. One of their offered arguments had been that they didn't want to be liable of someone were allergic to insect repellent. I pointed out that they had soap in their bathrooms to which students could be allergic and asked of they were planning to remove that, and also asked if they wanted to risk being liable if a student contract West Nile virus from mosquito bites sustained on the field trip.

Within a matter of a few days, they changed their stance.

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