News Coverage
Baltimore Sun: SPF Is Not Enough
Published July 8, 2008
A recent study by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group raised serious questions about the effectiveness of many sunscreens. Among the findings: Many products fail to offer protection from all forms of ultraviolet radiation, and common claims such as "all-day protection" are misleading at best. With summer vacation season fully under way, families who plan to spend time outdoors should not only be cautious about what sunscreens they buy (SPF rating of at least 15 and both UVA and UVB protection are a minimum) but also follow the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for protecting oneself against skin cancer. That includes seeking shade, particularly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and covering up with clothing and a wide-brim hat.
Sunburn is more than an inconvenience; it raises the risk of skin melanoma. It would be helpful to consumers if the Food and Drug Administration took a more aggressive approach with sunscreen safety standards that are in draft form and have yet to go into effect.
