Cancer Anyone?

Using sunscreen to prevent cancer? Might want to read those labels a little more closely.

http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_20972.cfm

The latest target of concern is the use by sunscreen manufacturers of nanosized particles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. A new report based on several preliminary studies says these atom-sized additives have the potential to cause serious harm.

That follows last week's report that the Food and Drug Administration has known for a decade that almost half of the most popular sunscreens contain an ingredient that may actually accelerate the growth of skin cancer cells.

France, Germany, the U.K. and the European Parliament have moved rapidly to require everything from safety testing and mandatory labeling of nanoparticles to even the outright ban of these engineered chemical creations in many sunscreen and cosmetic products. Nothing of the kind is happening in the United States, Friends of the Earth says in a report issued today.

Or... well... hmmm...

And consumers are pretty much on their own when it comes to determining what's safe to slather on their skin. Labeling is often inadequate or inaccurate. And not even the Consumer Safety Protection Commission, which ensures the safety of the items that Americans buy, is stepping up for sunscreen shoppers.

After trying to find a sunscreen that did not contain known carcinogens we finally had to admit we lose and have not used sunscreen for several years. Mostly we build our sun time up so that we can withstand longer bouts of direct sun without burning, but due to our very high elevation in the South Western desert when we know that we will be spending uninterrupted hours in the sun we slather up with St. John's Wort Oil and wear wide brimmed hats.

Here's to being an informed consumer. Tell those companies that you and your children expect better.

Safe sunning!

xoxo