What We're Reading: Starting School Later; Taking Action Against Fentanyl; Benzene in Antiperspirants

Later School Start Times Considered to Address the Youth Mental Health Crisis

ABC News is reporting that several states are considering later school start times as a way to promote healthy sleep habits among children and teens and to address growing pandemic-related mental health concerns. Experts say that school start times of 8:30 am or later would better align with adolescents’ biological sleep rhythms and would promote optimal sleep. Moreover, prior research has shown that in high schools with start times of 8:30 am or later, student sleep time, academic outcomes, and attendance rates all improved, and car crashes involving teen drivers decreased.

States Grappling With Fentanyl-Related Deaths

State lawmakers are considering the adoption of laws to address the opioid epidemic, specifically fentanyl-related deaths, as drug overdoses linked with synthethic opioids continue to climb nationwide. The Associated Press is reporting that potential laws would work to reduce the risk of overdose to users and increase the penalties for those dealing fentanyl or mixing it with other drugs. Bills to legalize test strips that detect the presence of fentanyl have been passed in New Mexico’s and West Virginia’s legislation, and they now await final approval from the states' governors.

Unilever Recalls Suave Antiperspirants Due to Elevated Levels of Benzene

Unilever announced that it is recalling 2 Suave aerosol antiperspirant products due to the presence of elevated benzene levels found in some samples during an internal review. NPR is reporting that the recalled lots of 2 antiperspirants with expiration dates through September 2023 include Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant Powder in 4 ounce and 6 ounce sizes and Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant Fresh in the 6 ounce size. Exposure to benzene through inhalation, an oral route, and the skin has been associated with an increased risk of leukemia and other blood cancers.