But how safe are sunscreens?
Hines says she’s never thought about the ingredients, just about things like whether it’s waterproof, can it be used on her face and what are her friends using. Medical experts say the ingredients are key to protection, but debate rages about the safety of a common ingredient in sunscreens oxybenzone, also known as benzophenone 3, an organic compound.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control found the compound in 97 percent of the 2,500 human urine samples tested. Now some health experts and environmentalists question its safety.
A database created by the Environmental Working Group, based in Washington DC, lists more than 1,000 sunscreens and their ingredients. The EWG found four out of five sunscreens contain chemicals that may pose health hazards or don’t adequately protect skin from the sun’s rays. Oxybenzone is listed as a chemical related to cancer, developmental reproductive toxicity and allergies.
When applied, oxybenzone penetrates the skin.
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Health Alert: Common sunscreen ingredient may cause cancer …
