Other things that expire

[flipper68]

This summer, I took Red Cross First Aid and CPS. One of the instructors mentioned that sunscreen expires after one year (I knew that). But then she added, after that, the sunscreen is MORE dangerous as it increases the "bad rays" (gotta lv my technical term here) being absorbed into the skin MORE that not having sunscreen on at all. I found it interesting, since I know I've used sunscreen older than 1 year (or 2 or 3) and NOT had a problem with burning, even though I'm pale, blond, blue eyed. [I've gotten a sunburn just from a 20 minute recess duty - the string of my whistle left a noticeable white mark :rolleyes: ]

Thought of this after reading about the old seat on Craig's list.

Has anyone else seen, heard, or read this?

[UlrikeDG]

There are UVA and UVB rays. One of them burns your skin. The other causes the damage that leads to cancer. Some sunscreens only block one type of ray, making you think you're safe when you're really not. Thus, you stay out in the sun all day, instead of getting yourself to the shade as soon as you start to burn.

I've never heard that about expired sunscreen before, however. I'd love to see research to back it up.

[KAK22]

I had heard of expired sunscreen and bug spray.

I know bicycle helmets should be replaced every 3-5 years.

[Kashi]

sunscreen expires, but I totally do NOT buy into it causing damage after that point.

all make-up should be replaced every 6 to 12 months as well - due to contamination more than expiration I think.

not sure what else.

[Simplysomething]

I've heard that sunscreen expires.

I've also heard that most people use way too little.

I googled "sunscreen expiration" (http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLG,GGLG:2005-46,GGLG:en&q=sunscreen+expiration) but that's as far as my enegry level is this morning. Actually going through the hits? I'll do that another day.

Among other things that we apparently use much long than we should are surge protectors. Apparently we're supposed to replace those yearly.

[Jeanum]

I recently read you're supposed to replace carbon monoxide detectors after so many years, can't remember how many years though and can't find the link at the moment. :o

[Jeanum]

Okay, had a chance to search, and found a home maintenance link that talks about expirations for non-rechargeable fire extinguishers (12 years from date of installation unless the manufacturer states otherwise), smoke detectors (generally 10 years from installation), and carbon monoxide detectors (generally 5 years after installation). You have to scroll down the page a bit to find the expiration info.:

http://troubleshooter.com/cf_misc/Columns/ColumnDetails.cfm?ColumnID=564

[Simplysomething]

Oh, we need a new fire alarm! (smoke detector, that is. I have one that is only about a year old, but the one is 12 years old)

[lovinwaves]

carbon monoxide detectors (generally 5 years after installation).

AAAAHHH, those things are expensive. DH is not going to be happy when I tell him it's time to replace the carbon Monoxide Detector! I can just see him now giving me a funny look.:rolleyes:
Then when I tell him where I heard this info he is going roll his eyes and say, "I thought that was a carseat forum, not a home safety forum":D

We have a hard enough time remembering to change the filter in our furnace, and the batteries in our smoke alarm!

[Jeanum]

LOL, same here, I need to replace a CO detector and throw out some expired sunscreen thanks to this topic. :D

[tjham]

Ummmm, I was just watching a show on manufacturing (maybe it was How It's Made). They showed a sunscreen factory and they said sunscreen is good for 3 to 5 years before expiring! I have used some really old stuff and it has worked. I think its age is not as important as how it is stored. If it has been in a hot car all summer, maybe it's not as good, but in a closet on a shelf, it's good for a long time.

[lovinwaves]

I am a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, and our cosmetics have a 3 year shelf life. There are just a few products in our line that have a less than 2 year shelf life. Of course though you want to throw out your mascara every 3 months, because of bacteria. The last thing you want is an eye infection!:(

[flipper68]

Ummmm, I was just watching a show on manufacturing (maybe it was How It's Made). They showed a sunscreen factory and they said sunscreen is good for 3 to 5 years before expiring! I have used some really old stuff and it has worked. I think its age is not as important as how it is stored. If it has been in a hot car all summer, maybe it's not as good, but in a closet on a shelf, it's good for a long time.

Now we're back to the "When was it made?" versus "How long was it sitting on the shelf before you bought it," for use time. Either 1 year or 5 years, w/o a good label marked with expiration or date of mfg, how do you know?

Has anyone seen another resource to answer this question?

{Oddly enough, I unplugged my carbon monoxide detector just yesterday because I wanted to use THAT outlet and thought to myself, "That thing is old. I wonder if it still works."}

[lovinwaves]

Now we're back to the "When was it made?" versus "How long was it sitting on the shelf before you bought it," for use time. Either 1 year or 5 years, w/o a good label marked with expiration or date of mfg, how do you know?

Has anyone seen another resource to answer this question?

{Oddly enough, I unplugged my carbon monoxide detector just yesterday because I wanted to use THAT outlet and thought to myself, "That thing is old. I wonder if it still works."}

I can speak for Mary Kay products at least..There is what is called a "day Code" on each of their products. There is a code we use to determine what year it was made. I have the code system if anyone is interested in knowing how old some of their MK stuff.

[Kashi]

Medications, even common ones like Tylenol, have expiration dates.

Scary - my grandmother has an old tin container of Asprin in her medicin cabinet that's been there for as long as I've been alive, likely longer. I hope it's empty !!

[Jeanum]

Vitamins, too. I was reminded of this thread when I took my daily one this morning, lol.

[skaterbabscpst]

I have to admit, I don't throw out my makeup like I should, but then again I'm not too concerned about infection since the stuff *might* get used 3 times a year. :rolleyes:

Of course, Joyjoy has decimated my makeup and almost all of it now needs to be repalced anyway. :p (and the walls all need painting...)