Whereas increasing intermittent sun exposure in childhood and during one’s lifetime is associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma; Whereas even one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can nearly double a person's chance of developing melanoma later in life, while five or more blistering sunburns in late adolescence increases one’s melanoma risk by 80 percent and nonmelanoma risk by 68 percent; Whereas because sunscreen is an over-the-counter drug, sunscreen is not allowed in many schools without physician authorization; Whereas in these cases, sunscreen is usually required to be stored in a locked cabinet in the nurse’s office; Whereas sunscreens that meet FDA standards can be used safely without consulting a health care professional when used as directed; and Whereas research shows that broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, when used as directed with other skin protection measures, can prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) supports Federal, State, and local efforts to exempt sunscreen from over-the-counter medication bans in schools and encourages all schools to allow students to possess sunscreen at school without restriction and without requiring physician authorization; (2) encourages State, local, and community entities, including schools and summer camps, to develop policies that provide for the use of and access to sunscreen and articles of sun-protective clothing; and (3) supports initiatives and efforts to encourage physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals, through pediatric wellness exams and other opportunities, to educate parents and their children about sun-safe behaviors, including instructions on how to apply sunscreen and effectively wear comprehensive sun-protective clothing.