FDA cracks down on sunscreens

[alp227]

Source: The Washington Post

For the first time, sunscreens will have to prove they provide good protection against both forms of the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet rays to claim they reduce the risk for skin cancer, sunburns and wrinkles, according to long-awaited federal rules unveiled Tuesday.

Only sunscreens that pass a test that shows that they shield skin from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays will be allowed to be labeled “broad spectrum,” and only those that also have an sun protection factor (SPF) rating of at least 15 can claim that they protect against sunburn, wrinkles and skin cancer, according to the Food and Drug Administration’s new requirements.

Sunscreens that do not meet those standards will have to carry prominent warnings that they do not protect against skin cancer or wrinkles, the FDA announced.

In addition, the agency is barring the use of the term “sunblock” as well as claims that sunscreens are “waterproof” or “sweat-proof,” saying those terms are inaccurate. Sunscreen makers will only be allowed to claim that products are “water-resistant” and will have to specify whether they work for 40 or 80 minutes. Those that do not must carry warnings advising people to use a water- resistant product if they are going to be exposed to water or sweat.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/fda-cracks-down-on-sunscreens/2011/06/14/AGaz3fUH_story.html

[qb]

1. I'm glad to see they're banning claims of > 50 SPF

Seriously... can I really stay in the sun 110 times longer than usual without getting burned?

[truthisfreedom]

2. That's interesting! I've often wondered if the claims were valid.

Now at least I'll have a fighting chance to know.

[HockeyMom]

3. Best sunscreen is to stay INSIDE

especially living in the inferno of the "Sunshine State".

[harun]

4. Would like to see more action like this from the FDA.

[arikara]

5. I would like to see proof

that the chemicals they use in these sunscreens are safe to use. Especially when people slather their children with them.

[BadgerKid]

8. For starters, try to find out of it's allowed in Europe.

I don't have a source for such molecules, unlike for food additives. As far as food additives, a few that are banned in Europe are allowed in the US.

[DeSwiss]

10. ....

:thumbsup:

[Tunkamerica]

11. here's a link. unfortunately none are found at my local grocery.

http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/best-sunscreens/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/

[City Lights]

14. FYI, we found Blue Lizard at Walgreens. nt

[toddwv]

6. Somehow, this will be seen as a conspiracy to destroy capitalism.

Forcing a company to prove it's claims? What about corporations' Freedom of Speech!

Can't wait to see how many "conservatives" boycott government sunblock.

[originalpckelly]

7. I remember testing sunscreens of various SPFs...

I can remember what our results were, as it was long fucking time ago, but I remember that there wasn't a super clear contrast between SPF 15 and higher SPF sunscreens.

[w0nderer]

9. indoors, or covering clothing and hat for those who have to work outside

long sleeve shirt, long leg pants, sun hat/boonie hat and a scarf or neck cloth

choose light colored but thick non transparent materials

[No Elephants]

12. Dr. No Elephants All Purpose Elixir is available to all at a very reasonable price.

Step right up, folks!

[Hotler]

13. More big government rules to hinder business. How can I make a profit if..

I have to prove my product works or is safe. :sarcasm:

[hunter]

15. I want a sunscreen pill.

Take one in the morning, surf all day.

Of course it would probably cause brain cancer or something....

...but then again... I dread sunburn so much these days, and I've had a few ugly things cut out of my skin, so maybe I'd risk it.

:P