The New York Times Ignores
Information on Dangers of Sunscreens -- by
Samuel S. Epstein, M.D.
CHICAGO, June 28 (AScribe
Newswire) -- Following is commentary by
Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. Epstein is Chairman
of the Cancer Prevention Coalition and
Professor Emeritus of Environmental &
Occupational Medicine at the University of
Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health.
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On June 19, The New York Times
published an article, "Saving Young Skin
From the Sun's Perils," by its regular
columnist Jane Brody. Brody warned that
sunscreen "is a must for everyone starting
at age six months ... and should be
reapplied every two hours," especially for
children. However, Brody is unaware of the
dangers of sunscreens.
Six ingredients are commonly used
in sunscreens, at concentrations of up to 10
percent, in order to reduce risks of sunburn
from exposure to short wave ultraviolet (UVB)
solar radiation. It should, however, be
emphasized that these ingredients fail to
block the more dangerous long wave (UVA)
radiation.
A series of recent studies have
raised serious concerns on the dangers of
sunscreens. Contrary to reassurances on
safety, based on label claims for a high
Skin Protection Factor (SPF), most
light-skinned people use sunscreens to
protect against sunburn due to UVB
radiation. However, this common practice,
particularly in children, results in high
levels of cumulative exposure to the more
dangerous UVA radiation. This penetrates
into the deep layers of the skin without any
warning of sunburn, breaks down the protein
and collagen which keep the skin firm and
plump, and is responsible for the classic
signs of skin aging, including wrinkling and
discoloration. More seriously, UVA radiation
is well recognized as the major cause of
malignant melanoma. This is now the fastest
rising cancer in the world, whose incidence
in the U.S. over recent decades has
increased dramatically by about 130 percent,
and whose mortality has increased by about
25 percent.
Of additional concern are the
hormonal effects of sunscreens. Their
ingredients belong to a family of
hormone-damaging chemicals, known as
endocrine disruptors. These stimulate
uterine growth of infant rats following
painting their skin with concentrations
similar to those in sunscreens. Furthermore,
there is well-documented evidence that
sunscreen ingredients accumulate in the
human body as evidenced by their detection
in breast milk.
These dangers of sunscreens can be
readily avoided by the use of conventional
zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide sunblocks.
These are highly effective against the
dangerous UVA radiation. Their only
disadvantage is that they whiten skin,
depending on the amount used and frequency
of application.
It should be noted that my June 21
letter to The Times warning of the dangers
of sunscreens and the safety of sunblocks
remains unpublished.
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CONTACT: Samuel S. Epstein, M.D.;
office 312-996-2297
For Safe sunscreen without harmful chemicals
