SafetyIssues Personal and Public Safety News Articles: Labels Shed Little Light on Sunscreens

Labels Shed Little Light on Sunscreens
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Staff writer for safetyissues.com on 07/03/08 01:15:00
 
The report, which summarizes an exhaustive evaluation of 950 sunscreen products,
states that 85 percent of the products on the market can be characterized as
either providing inadequate protection or containing possibly unsafe
ingredients.
The problem is compounded by the absence of labeling standards for sunscreens.
Until now, the Food and Drug Administration has not established any guidelines
to be followed by sunscreen manufacturers for testing and labeling their
products. This means there is no regulatory standard on the product claims that
manufacturers may put on their labels.
The EWG’s researchers analyzed the sunscreen products using findings from
almost 400 peer-reviewed scientific studies and 60 national databases. Each
product was rated, according to three factors:
* Protection from ultraviolet B (UVB) — indicated by SPF ratings
* Protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) — using industry-accepted absorption
measurement models
* Product stability — using studies on reaction of chemicals to exposure to
the sun.
Both types of UV rays cause skin cancer, but their action is different. UVA
damages skin by destroying collagen and vitamin A, while UVB directly damages
DNA molecules.
The researchers also took note of the presence of fragrances, which may trigger
allergic reactions, and other chemicals that could enter the body through the
skin or the respiratory system.
The report says many of the sunscreens do not protect against UVA, although most
of them did protect against UVB rays. Under current regulations, the FDA does
not require UVA ray protection capability in sunscreens.
FDA’s safety standards for sunscreens were drafted over 30 years back, but
these were never finalized and, consequently, never enforced. Absent such
mandatory rules for labeling, manufacturers’ compliance with the draft
standards is done on voluntary basis only. The EWG says voluntary compliance
exposes consumers to risk.
The latest FDA guidelines were reissued in August 2007, but they remain in draft
form. In addition to criticizing the FDA for taking too long to finalize its
mandatory standards, the EWG also says the FDA has been too slow in approving
safer chemicals that have long been accepted for use in the European Union and
Japan.
The absence of rules on labeling or product testing means consumers are not
getting the appropriate data they need to make an informed decision.
Medical experts and the American Cancer Society say that despite the lack of
information in labels, consumers should continue to use sunscreens: they do help
to prevent skin cancer, thus not applying sunscreen is more risky.
Safety Tips:
* Use sunscreens with at least SPF 30 for protection against UVB.
* Use sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for protection
against UVA.
* Stay away from the sun between 10 am and 4 pm.
* Put on protective clothing.
* Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside. Make sure to reapply
every 2 hours or more often if you sweat profusely or towel dry.
* Make sure to apply at least 1 ounce (about one full palm) of sunscreen. Most
users apply only up to two-thirds of the required amount to reach the SPF
rating. Under-application means no protection.