Phil & Teds

Monday, May 24, 2010

Sunscreen Safety Report

The latest Environmental Working Group's (EWG) annual report to consumers on sunscreen has been released.

The EWG examined 500 products, and considered only 39 of them safe and effective to use.

They found the following problems with sunscreens they consider not safe:
  • The use of the hormone-disrupting chemical oxybenzone, which penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream.
  • Overstated claims about SPF performance.
  • Concerns with the inclusion of vitamin A in sunscreen. EWG researchers found the initial findings of an FDA study of vitamin A's photocarcinogenic properties, which means the possibility that it results in cancerous tumors when used on skin exposed to sunlight.

The EWG advises consumers not to depend on any sunscreen for primary protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Hats, clothing and shade are still the most reliable sun protection available!

The EWG has complied a list called "Hall of Shame: What's wrong with the sunscreen protection business"; which discusses many top brands of sunscreen. You see their list complete list of best and worst sunscreens using this link.

What sunscreen do you use on your children?

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