Health Facts About Your Sunscreen

In the world of consumer sales it can be hard to tell fact from fiction when alarms are being sounded. As sunscreen affects children along with just about every other segment of the population, further investigation is merited regarding possible dangers. Following are important facts about the safety of 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.

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.

Taking a look at effectiveness, the popular SPF ratings do not take into account the harmful UVA rays present in sunlight. Many popular sunscreens do not provide the consumer with enough protection against exposure to UVA rays. Though not a matter of toxins, this is certainly a health issue.

There is still not enough data to draw a final conclusion on potential dangers of sunscreen products. Action by the FDA on this issue would provide a great value to the public, and the use of organic sunscreen products is currently a much safer bet.