New FDA testing of sunscreens shows that six common active ingredients are absorbed into the body and may linger for days or even weeks, in some cases.
For example, blood concentrations of oxybenzone were more than 180 times the FDA’s level of concern after a single application of sunscreen. They soared to more than 500 times the FDA’s level of concern after 4 days of regular use. Three weeks later, blood tests continued to show higher levels of oxybenzone, though it was much lower than at the start of the study.
Studies have shown that oxybenzone may affect breast development, infant birth weight, and sperm function. It has also been shown to contribute to the killing of coral reefs in the ocean. As a result, Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate starting in 2021. “The fact that these chemicals are being found at elevated levels in our blood, combined with evidence that they have been linked to adverse health impacts in other studies, is extremely concerning,” says Nneka Leiba, vice president of the Environmental Working Group’s Healthy Living Science program. The Environmental Working Group has been warning consumers for years that ingredients in chemical sunscreens may not be safe.
So what should you do if you want to protect yourself or your kids from the uncertainties of untested ingredients?“Avoid sun if you can between 11 and 4, when UV radiation is at its peak,” he says. “Use mineral-based sunscreens or use clothing that has built-in sun protection.”“Be smart in the sun. If you know you burn, limit your sun exposure. If you know you have a
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The FDA is considering approving a prescription video game for ADHDAkili Interactive Labs is in talks with regulators from the FDA over approval for its prescription video game designed to treat children with ADHD.
Read more »
Antiquated system hampers FDA in tracking deadly E. coli outbreaksA Boston Globe/NBC News collaboration found the FDA often struggles to trace the source of food contamination back to a single farm with certainty.
Read more »
New coronavirus not an international public health emergency, but countries advised to be ready for 'potential evolution'The virus' ability to spread from one person to another has raised concerns that there could be a significant international outbreak.
Read more »
Toxic chemicals that never break down were found in the drinking water in several major US citiesCities like Miami, New Orleans and Washington, DC, had high levels of manmade chemicals called PFAS, according to a new report. The report refers to them as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down once they’re in the environment.
Read more »
U.S. Chemical Safety Board sending team to probe Houston blastThe U.S. Chemical Safety Board is sending a team of investigators to probe an ea...
Read more »