More Americans than ever are using sunscreen to protect from sunburn and guard against skin cancer. Top choices include products with high SPF ratings, and that are waterproof or that advertise "broad spectrum" protection. Most people trust that the claims on the bottle will ensure that the product truly protects their health and their families'. Nothing could be less certain.

A recent investigation of name-brand sunscreens by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found widespread evidence that many products on the market are not safe and effective, including one of every eight high-SPF sunscreens that does not protect from UVA radiation. The EWG report titled Sunscreen Summary-What Works and What's Safe identified only 131 products out of 786 that offer very good sun protection with ingredients that present minimal health risks to users.

The comprehensive scientific review indicates that 83% of 786 sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns. Only 17% of the products on the market were found to be safe and effective, blocking both UVA and UVB radiation, remaining stable in sunlight, and containing few if any ingredients with significant known or suspected health hazards. The EWG assessment is based on a review of nearly 400 scientific studies, industry models of sunscreen efficacy, and toxicity and regulatory information housed in nearly 60 government, academic, and industry databases. The study found that:

• Many Products Lack UVA Protection

Fully 12% of high SPF sunscreens (SPF of at least 30) protect only from sunburn (UVB radiation), and do not contain ingredients known to protect from UVA radiation, the sun rays linked to skin damage and aging, immune system problems, and potentially skin cancer. FDA does not require that sunscreens guard against UVA radiation.

• Sunscreens Break Down In The Sun

Parodoxically, many sunscreen ingredients break down in the sun, in a matter of minutes or hours, and then let UV radiation through to the skin. The EWG analyses show that 54% of products on the market contain ingredients that may be unstable alone or in combination, raising questions about whether these products last as long as the label says. FDA has not proposed requirements for sunscreen stability.

• Questionable Product Claims Are Widespread

At least 51% of products on the market bear claims that are considered "unacceptable" or misleading under FDA's draft sunscreen safety standards. Analysis of marketing claims on hundreds of sunscreen bottles shows that false and misleading marketing claims are common. Claims like "all day protection," "mild as water," and "blocks all harmful rays" are not true, yet are found on bottles. Until FDA sets an effective date for these standards, industry is free to use hyped claims. Companies' decisions to inflate claims has spawned recent class action lawsuits in California.

• Many Sunscreens Contain Nano-Scale Ingredients That Raise Potential Concerns

Micronized and nano-scale zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreen provide strong UVA protection, and are contained in many of our top-rated products. Repeated studies have found that these ingredients do not penetrate healthy skin, indicating that consumers' exposures would be minimal. Studies on other nano-scale materials have raised concerns about their unique, toxic properties. FDA has failed to approve effective UVA filters available in Europe that, if approved here, could replace nano-scale ingredients.

• Some Sunscreens Absorb Into The Blood And Raise Safety Concerns

Review of the technical literature shows that some sunscreen ingredients absorb into the blood, and some are linked to toxic effects. Some release skin-damaging free radicals in sunlight, some act like estrogen and could disrupt hormone systems, several are strongly linked to allergic reactions, and still others may build up in the body or the environment. FDA has not established rigorous safety standards for sunscreen ingredients.

 After 29 years of debate, the government has failed to set mandatory sunscreen safety standards. Companies are free to make their own decisions on everything from advertising claims to product quality. In lieu of setting final standards, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises people to stay out of the sun from 10 am to 4 pm. FDA now stands in direct violation a Congressional mandate requiring the agency to finalize sunscreen safety standards by May 2006, flouting not only Congress but also consumers, who are reliant on sunscreen to protect their health.

As reported in Tanning Trends (5/05), a Georgia science professor, Dr. Randy May, is challenging the assertion that people should follow sunscreen recommendations blindly. Dr. May presented a special lecture at Brenau University pointing out that many substances in chemical sunscreens may have adverse affects on the body.

Dr. May suggests avoiding sunscreen products containing benzophene, diethanolamine(DEA), triethanolamine(TEA), propylene glycol(PG), polyethyleneglycol(PEG), dea, sodium lauryl sulfate(SLS), mineral oil, petrolatum, or lanolin. Instead, he encourages the use of physical sunscreens such as zinc oxide.

Physical sunscreen agents reflect, scatter, absorb, or block UV rays, while chemical sunscreen agents protect you from the sun by absorbing the UV and visible sun rays. Since energy cannot be truly absorbed, chemical sunscreens must convert it into other forms, and no one knows what truly happens as a result. May takes strong exception to the use of benzophene in sunscreen. Benzophene is activated by UV light and he considers it to be "one of the most powerful free-radical generators known to man." Research shows worldwide, according to Dr. May, that the greatest rise in melanoma has been experienced in countries where chemical sunscreens have been the most heavily promoted.

related articles:
Sunscreen May Actually Promote Cancer

Why Don't I Have Skin Cancer?

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Disclaimer

Tanning & Natural Health News is a publication of Tan Plus /Essentials Of Life, Barclay Square, 350 Route 108, Somersworth, NH. This publication is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be presented as medical advice. Product statements made have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration.