Most Sunscreens Aren't Effective According to New Report

KSPR News
Published July 1, 2008

The Environmental Working Group is again sounding the alarm on sunscreens. Last year, the group released a report criticizing the United States Food and Drug Administration for what it claims are out-of-date sunscreen approval and safety policies. A year later, they say nothing has changed and that 85 percent of sunscreens on the market still have questions about effectiveness or safety. It's enough to cause chills on a summer day - the Environmental Working Group says their 2nd annual review of sunscreen products found just 15% met their standards for safety and efficacy. The new report again criticizes the FDA for inadequate sunscreen regulation and for failing to approve new suncare products. Last year, the FDA moved to include a 4-star rating on sunscreens based on protection against UVA rays - the ultraviolet light most linked to skin cancer. Currently 7% of sunscreens do NOT offer UVA protection, according to the report, so consumers should look for those that block both UVA and UVB rays. Overall, however, just 3 per cent of sunscreens were deemed ineffective. Most were rated unacceptable over questions about safety, based largely on animal studies suggesting chemicals within sunscreens could be harmful. The group is calling for a new safety review to determine the risk to humans. In the meantime, dermatologists stress that sunscreens are just one part of sun safety - people should also stay out of the sun at peak hours and wear protective clothing whenever possible.