Tiny Bits of Zinc and Titanium Deemed Safe in Sunscreen

Los Angeles Times, Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon
Published July 14, 2008

I read that some scientists are concerned about nanoparticles found in products such as sunscreen. The Environmental Working Group is a collaborative group of scientists that first raised a red flag about nanoparticles in sunscreens. These extremely small particles of titanium and zinc compounds provide an effective way of blocking UVA and UVB rays and also appear transparent. The researchers were suspicious about nanoparticles. They now have completed their analysis, of nearly 400 peer-reviewed studies. The conclusions they reached were quite different from those they anticipated: "Repeated studies have shown that these ingredients do not penetrate healthy skin, indicating that consumers' exposures would be minimal." The scientists are critical of many other sunscreen ingredients and now suggest that consumers look for sunscreens with zinc or titanium to provide broad UV protection. I have been taking Toprol XL for about two years for high blood pressure, and my hair is getting so thin you can see through it. Is there any other medication that would not cause hair loss? Beta blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) and atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic) may cause hair loss. Many cardiologists no longer consider beta blockers best for first-line treatment of high blood pressure. Ask your doctor whether another medication might be appropriate. Reach Joe Graedon, a pharmacologist, and Teresa Graedon, an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition, at www.peoplespharmacy.com or in care of this newspaper.