Research | Green Living

Sunscreen Might Give You Cancer

sunscreen 300x199 Sunscreen Might Give You Cancer Whoa — a new study says that the protective sunscreens that we rub on to prevent potential sun damage and skin cancer might actually contain ingredients that are known to cause…yup…cancer!

A report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) finds that many sunscreen products are made with ingredients known to increase skin cancer risk and other harmful effects. In their 2010 Sunscreen Guide, the EWG says that only 8% of the 500+ products they tested were recommended and safe. Why? First and probably the least of our worries is that any product with an SPF level over 50 isn’t considered more effective than SPF50 products.

Second, 41% of sunscreens were found to contain retinyl palmitate — a form of vitamin A that the FDA believes speeds up skin damage and skin cancer risk…and it’s in nearly half of sunscreens! Third, many of the sunscreens include oxybenzone as an active ingredient. Oxybenzone is a known hormone-disruptor that can enter the bloodstream when applied topically.

The FDA is cracking down and creating regulations for sunscreens, but in the meantime — which sun protection products should you buy and which should you stay away from? Here’s the EWG’s top and bottom picks:

Top Sunscreen Picks:

- All Terrain AquaSport
- Badger Sunscreen Face Stick
- Purple Prairie Botanicals Sun Stick

Worst Sunscreen Options:

- Rx Suncare Sport Sunblock
- Rocky Mountain Sunscreen High Exposure
- Philosophy Shelter Broad Spectrum Sunscreen for Face and Body

Check out the complete listing on the EWG’s website.

How Safe Is Your Perfume?

perfumes 300x175 How Safe Is Your Perfume? A new report by The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the Environmental Working Group finds that many perfume labels aren’t completely telling you everything that’s in the scent you love — and sometimes, the “secret” ingredients can be harmful.

Jane Houlihan, co-author of the report entitled “Not So Sexy: The Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance”, said that perfume “mixtures can [contain] dozens, even hundreds, of individual chemicals.” On average, the researchers found 14 unlisted chemicals present in a random test of 17 perfume products — and some of them have been linked to at the minimum allergic reactions and even hormone disruption.

Of the fragrances tested — across multiple price points — American Eagle Seventy Seven had the highest number of unlisted ingredients at 24 and Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue had the least at seven. The unlisted chemicals — including benzyl benzoate, diethyl phthalate and tonalide have been known to cause adverse reactions and are known hormone disruptors. Given that some of the tested fragrances are popular with young girls, these ingredients are of even greater concern.

Currently, the FDA’s Fair Packaging and Labeling Act allows fragrances in cosmetic products to be simply labeled as “fragrances.” Houlihan and her group are calling for the chemicals that make up “fragrances” to be listed in their entirety.

“People should be able to know what they are being exposed to,” she said.

Is Plastic Making Us Fat?

girldrinkingplasticbottle 300x211 Is Plastic Making Us Fat? Researchers think they may have found a link between chemicals used in plastic, toys and makeup and the rise in obesity in the U.S. In addition to diet and exercise, exposure to chemicals called obesogens – specifically during critical stages of development — may predispose us to being heavier and can make it harder to lose weight as adults.

Obesogens — like bisphenol-A (aka BPA) and phthalates — may also explain why we all know people who eat whatever they want and remain thin while others gain weight even if they watch their diets carefully.

Obesogens may also affect metabolism and how quickly hunger is satisfied. Jerrold Heindel of National Institute of Environmental Sciences (NIEHS) says timing of exposure is an important factor. Research indicates that development stages –in utero and through puberty) is the most sensitive period.