Sunscreen Toxins and High Risk Groups

The safety of commercial sunscreens has received a lot of press lately. All segments of the population are affected, but children and breast cancer patients seem to carry the highest risks. Decades ago the FDA promised to issue complete standards on the manufacture and effectiveness of sunscreen products, but never finished the job. Below is a summary of health findings related to non-organic sunscreens.

Of great concern to researchers is the use of nano particles in sunscreen. These are extremely small particles that can pass through membranes that have been able to block previous manufactured materials. The health risks of nano particles are not fully understood as they are the result of relatively new technology. The bottom line is finding how far toxins can go at this small size and the net result on organs and tissues.

One harmful sunscreen ingredient that stands out is oxybenzone. This chemical helps to protect the skin and makes it easier for other chemicals to be absorbed into the skin. When mothers have been exposed to oxybenzone during pregnancy, there has been an increased instance of low birth weight among baby girls. Other negative health factors that occur more frequently include cell damage, allergies, and hormone disruption.

To the relief of many, the FDA announced plans for ensuring the safety of sunscreens back in 1978. Unfortunately, these plans amounted to good intentions and were never completed. Today the public must remain skeptical towards the claims of many sunscreen companies.

Five out of the six active ingredients in sunscreen have been found to mimic estrogen in the human body. Risk groups for these effects include children and breast cancer patients. All of these chemicals were examined in actual breast cancer cells.

SPF ratings provide the public with a measurable assessment of a sunscreen's effectiveness. However, these ratings do not take into account UVA ultraviolet rays, which can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer. Though not an issue of toxins, many sunscreen products leave the user under-protected and under-informed in this area.

The verdict is still out regarding the health risks of commercial sunscreens. Current research points to health hazards, but a smoking gun or critical mass of research has yet to emerge. Pregnant mothers, children and breast cancer patients appear to be at particular risk. All parties would benefit from further clarification on the part of the FDA, and, if a consumer does not want to wait, organic sunscreens provide a much safer alternative.