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This summer has been exceptionally hot, with my area experiencing more days exceeding 95 degrees and unbearable humidity than I can recall in recent years. It’s likely that you’re feeling the heat where you are too. (Anyone else lying awake at night, pondering climate change?)
In such scorching weather, many of us reach for sunscreen, generously applying it on ourselves and our children to ward off sunburn and reduce skin cancer risks. We generally trust that sunscreen is safe and that taking a few moments to apply it is a responsible choice for our families.
Recent Sunscreen Recalls
However, that belief was recently challenged when two popular brands issued a voluntary recall. An independent testing organization discovered dangerous levels of a cancer-causing chemical in several spray sunscreens. As a precaution, Neutrogena and Aveeno removed the following products from shelves:
- Neutrogena® Beach Defense® aerosol
- Neutrogena® Cool Dry Sport aerosol
- Aveeno® Protect + Refresh aerosol
- Neutrogena® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol
- Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer® aerosol
If you’ve purchased any of these items and wish to receive a refund, please fill out this form.
Additionally, the testing company detected concerning amounts of benzene in other sunscreen samples that have not yet been recalled. These include products like Eco Formula Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 and Ultimate Sheer Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 by TopCare.
What is Benzene?
The testing revealed alarmingly high levels of benzene, a known industrial solvent that is not typically found in sunscreen. In a statement, Dr. Laura Simmons, a Dermatology expert at a leading university, emphasized that there is no safe level of benzene in sunscreen products. Even minimal exposure can result in significant health risks, particularly leukemia and other blood disorders, as noted by the National Cancer Institute.
While using these recalled sunscreens may not pose an immediate danger, Dr. Mark Reed from the Colorado School of Public Health points out that cumulative exposure to benzene from various sources can add to the risk.
A History of Sunscreen Concerns
This isn’t the first instance where sunscreens have faced backlash for various reasons, including hormone-disrupting chemicals or ineffectiveness. Previous recalls involved well-known brands like The Honest Company. A recent Environmental Working Group report found that 75% of sunscreens evaluated failed to offer adequate protection or contained harmful ingredients.
Despite these alarming findings, experts advise against abandoning sunscreen altogether. “There are still many safe options available,” states Dr. Emily Carter, a leading health advocate. “At least 200 sunscreens in our database have been found to be effective.”
Dr. Sam Wilson, a dermatology chair, suggests opting for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead. Additionally, families can protect themselves by wearing protective clothing and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
Ultimately, this recall serves as a reminder to stay informed about the products we use, rather than a reason to stop using sunscreen completely.
Stay Informed
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