Some 85 percent of 952 sunscreens tested are ineffective or contain potentially harmful chemicals, says this year's annual sunscreen review by the Environmental Working Group. Of 144 sunscreen products distributed by the top three leading brands -- Coppertone, Banana Boat, and Neutrogena -- only one meets EWG's criteria for safety and efficacy. The group raises especial alarm about common ingredient oxybenzone, which a handful of animal studies have linked to endocrine disruption. Some dermatologists accuse EWG's sun-protection rating system of lacking scientific rigor, but the group says it extensively reviewed medical literature on sunscreens and stands behind its data. If you're rushing out to buy one of the 28 sunscreens that fall under both the Effective and Low Hazard rubric, buy a hat too -- dermatologists stress that sunscreen without other sun-avoidance precautions may not have much of an effect on skin cancer.
source: Abilene Reporter News, The New York Times
source: Sunscreen Summary
see also, in Grist:Sunscreen-slathered swimmers contributing to coral bleaching, says study
Obama headed to Copenhagen, sets the bar for success
‘Copenhagen Diagnosis’ offers a grim update to the IPCC’s climate science
Comments
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Wolverine Posted 7:47 am
22 Jul 2008
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Delay And Deny Posted 2:29 pm
22 Jul 2008
Well, after two weeks of stunning weather here in Kent, WA we are back to...fall? winter? I just drove back from 24 Hour Fitness after Ski-Climbing my heart out to the sounds of "Animal Collective" and with the windows open, it was...freezing!!
So much for...well...you know...
http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory ...
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CarolBear05 Posted 10:32 pm
22 Jul 2008
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Eiger19 Posted 11:06 pm
22 Jul 2008
CarolBear05....There are two different types of UV rays. UVA and UVB.
* UVA rays have longer wavelengths and are recognized as a deep-penetrating radiation. Long-term exposure can damage the skin's connective tissues, leading to premature aging and playing a role in the development of skin cancer. This type of ray is used in tanning salons. UVA rays pass through window glass.
* UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and are primarily responsible for sunburn (think B=burning rays) and skin cancer. UVB rays are blocked by window glass.
So essentially some sunscreens block more of the "burning rays" while others block more of the deeper penetrating rays. Therefore, some may be effective in keeping you from getting burnt, but you are still being damaged...The sunscreen industry really does a good job with smoke and mirrors to confuse consumers. Also, the damage to corals is occuring, as per scientific research studies, it seems pretty plausible considering the close approximation to the reefs that people get. So cover up use little sunscreen and make sure to put it on well ahead of getting into the water so it absorbs.
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robertogreen Posted 2:14 am
23 Jul 2008
there is some sketchy, extremely prelimary science that says there MAY be problems associated with sunscreens. maybe. in no way certain beyond some very small percentage number.
there is copious evidence that using sunscreen prevents melanomas and sunburns that can be precursors.
this headline, blasted all over the world, will create massive damage and harm.
eiger19, almost every major manufacturer of sunscreen has added UVB and A protection. you are full of it.
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Eiger19 Posted 3:28 am
23 Jul 2008
I am fair skinned red head and have read a lot of research about sunscreen for my own and my family's benefit.
True most sunscreens do block UVA and UVB, however the effectiveness of blocking UVA and UVB varies by manufacturer and specific lotion. All SPF 45 are not created equal! My point is that you have to be an informed consumer. Buy the product that truly blocks the most UVA and UVB. The Environmental Working Group just released a great database of almost all sunscreens ranking them on their effectiveness and potential for toxicity. Check it out here: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/i ...
So I do believe everyone should wear sunscreen. I think there is MORE harm in not wearing it than wearing it. If I am in environmentally sensitive areas (e.g. coral reef) I will cover up with a longsleeve rash guard so that I only have to apply sunscreen to a minimal area on my body.
Prior to posting an immature "You're full of it" comment try to educate yourself and bring something more to the table.
Thanks
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Wolverine Posted 3:58 am
23 Jul 2008
See the study linked to below the article. Realize two things: when people who are not tan go into the water, they often go where there are coral. I've snorkeled on a number of reefs in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and there were many people snorkeling with me. So there's more than a "little bit" of sunblock that the reefs are exposed to. And remember, because the vast majority of these reefs are in the tropics, that exposure is 365 days a year.
Eiger,
My focus and priority is protecting and restoring the natural environment from harms caused by humans. You're correct that people should limit their time in the sun regardless of whether they have tans, but it is not OK to poison the Earth with chemicals just because you want to vacation somewhere that you're not suited for. I'm beyond sick of the selfish attitude that you can do whatever you want, the Earth and everyone else be damned. Chemical sunscreens should be banned because they're poisoning the Earth. If you're a fair skinned redhead, you obviously don't belong in the tropics.
And yes, I'm aware of the hysterical crap that says that tans are bad, but I don't buy it. Too much sun exposure is bad, but you don't need much exposure to get a tan. I practically grew up on the beach in the summers when I was a kid, lived on the beach for a year in Florida renting Hobie Cats, and sailed from San Francisco to Tahiti and back via Hawaii, living on boats for months the entire time. I have no skin cancer, and the vast majority of sailors don't get it, either, even though they get a lot more sun exposure than average people. All you have to do is be sensible and stay out of the sun when you can, especially during mid day.
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christophersj Posted 4:35 am
23 Jul 2008
:-/
-CJ
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sje333 Posted 4:58 am
23 Jul 2008
But seriously, I take a tent to the beach, and I wear clothes unless I'm in the water (and when I'm in the water, I still wear my big floppy hat). I'm of german and irish decent, and I live in Florida. I counteract the huge increase in UV radiation by wearing clothes.
As for sunscreen's effectiveness, UVA and UVB rays are different. Preventing a sunburn does nothing to reduce skin cancer risks.
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mtvyfan Posted 12:36 am
24 Jul 2008
Pretty much it's up to your genetics, I think, to decide for you if you can tan or not. Some people flat out can't tan like my Mom. Melanin in the right quantities offers some or a lot of protection, but we are all different in how much we have in our bodies. Cover up if you have to, or worship Apollo with all your might if you can.
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