The survey by the Washington-based Environmental Working Group finds that 60% of beach and sport sunscreens offer inadequate UVA (ultraviolet A) protection. The group's website evaluates each product and offers general safety tips that include reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours, wearing protective clothing, buying creams and lotions instead of sprays and powders and minimizing sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
EWG says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been lax in overseeing these products and thus puts people at potential risk for endocrine disruption and even expedited skin tumor developments.
"You shouldn't need to be a doctor to determine if your sunscreen is safe and effective. For too long the FDA has allowed manufacturers to get away with inaccurate claims about sun protection, and consumers are getting burned," Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., said in a statement released by EWG. He plans this week to introduce the Sunscreen Labeling Protection (or SUN) Act, which would give the FDA 180 days to finalize rules it proposed in 2007 to make labels clearer and accurate.
As the summer season approaches with Memorial Day weekend, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is warning Americans about the dangers from exposure to the sun's harmful rays. It says overexposure is the main cause of skin cancer, which is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. and affects more than two million people each year. It says melanoma, the most serious form, is on the rise and is the most common cancer among young adults aged 25-29.
"Many people still do not realize that unprotected sun exposure can lead to skin cancer and other health problems," said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation, said in an announcement. "Simple steps such as using sunscreen, putting on sunglasses or wearing a hat can protect us and our families, while still enjoying the great outdoors."
The EPA says to remember to "Slip! Slop! Slap!...and Wrap when you're outdoors — slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses." It offers these sun-wise tips:
* Do Not Burn
* Sunburns significantly increase one's lifetime risk of developing skin cancer, especially for children.
* Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds
* UV light from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and wrinkling.
* Generously Apply Sunscreen
* Generously apply sunscreen: about one ounce to cover all exposed skin 20 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and provide protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
* Wear Protective Clothing
* Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible.
* Seek Shade
* Seek shade when possible and remember that the sun's UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
* Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow and Sand
* Water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
* Check the UV Index
* The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent sun overexposure. The UV Index forecast is issued daily by the National Weather Service and EPA. Visit www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html
* Get Vitamin D Safely
* Get Vitamin D safely through a diet that includes vitamin supplements and foods fortified with Vitamin D. Don't seek the sun.
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