‘Toxic’ sunscreen gives parents a poolside problem
People who use sunscreen are being urged to check whether a particular chemical is in the product, as it could lead to dysfunction of the liver and kidneys.
Parents say getting the right sunscreen for their children is a challenge, even more so after a study revealed that a chemical in many brands becomes toxic when mixed with chlorine in pools.
Russian scientists found that avobenzone – used in many sunscreen products – can cause liver and kidney problems, and nervous system disorders, when mixed with chlorinated water.
UAE doctors are urging sunbathers to check their sunscreen’s ingredient. “We need to be watchful,” said Dr Hinah Altaf, of Canadian Specialist Hospital, Dubai.
Parents could unknowingly be applying toxic sunscreen to children, with researchers discovered a harmful chemical reaction between popular UV filters and chlorine.
Scientists from the faculty of chemistry at Lomonosov Moscow State University found some sunscreens react with chlorinated water and ultraviolet radiation to release toxic chemicals.
Doctors are advising that young children are covered up when in the sun or swimming, rather than applying potentially harmful products containing avobenzone – a common blocker used in many sunscreen products.
“We know for certain that sun exposure is linked to skin cancers and that sunscreens can help to reduce the risks,” said Dr Hinah Altaf, a dermatologist at Canadian Specialist Hospital in Dubai.
“A study indicating production of harmful compounds when avobenzone comes in contact with chlorinated water should not be ignored.
“We need to be watchful and use alternatives to avobenzone as sunscreen while swimming, but there is no evidence that we need to avoid sunscreens.”
In tests, avobenzone was found to provoke dysfunction of the liver and kidneys, and nervous system disorders when mixed with chlorinated water.
It is the most popular ultraviolet light filter in the world. Its ability to absorb harmful UV rays has led to its use in cosmetics such as face creams and lipsticks.
But doctors have urged caution over the research, claiming that a randomised controlled trial is the gold standard on which clinical advice should be offered, and this was not part of the study.
Medical professionals also said people should take other precautions to avoid sunburn, because the cancer risk outweighs the potential for damage from toxic sunscreens.
Russian scientists proved that in water solution, avobenzone is capable of breaking down into hazardous chemical compounds.
Their experiments and found that the breakdown of avobenzone may take place on wet human skin.
The chemists found avobenzone breaks down in the water, forming organic compounds belonging to the classes of aromatic acids more commonly found in products such as tear gas.
One of the project’s authors, Albert Lebedev, said more research into how popular cosmetics can transform in contact with other chemicals is important to offer the latest consumer advice.
Researchers also found a reaction with water and copper salts, which are often added to pools to produce a blue tint. The reaction formed bromoform, known to damage the liver and kidneys.
Dr Altaf advised against the use of some sunscreens and particular care with those that claim to provide day-long protection.
“Once-a-day sunscreens should not be promoted,” she said. “They provide a false sense of protection, especially during extended sun exposure, sweating and swimming. The minimum sunscreen that offers about 93 per cent protection from UVB is SPF 15.
“Children are more sensitive to the harmful effects of sun so sun protection measures should be incorporated in the routine early in life, so that it becomes a habit.”
In a report on sunscreen delivered by US researchers at the Environmental Working Group, it was noted that a form of vitamin A added to sun protection creams to help prevent ageing could actually speed up the development of some cancers.
The EWG said sunscreens containing retinyl palmitate could hasten the development of skin lesions and tumours if applied in direct sunlight, after experiments conducted on hairless mice exposed to UV light every day for a year.
Dr Bana Haithum Lufty of the dermatology department at Al Sarq Hospital, Fujairah, encouraged people to look at a sunscreen’s ingredients before applying it to skin.
“Two of the chemicals produced in this research, acetyl benzenes and phenols, are particularly toxic,” Dr Lufty said. “Simply staying in the shade is one of the best ways to limit your UV exposure.
“We generally recommend sunscreen is reapplied liberally every couple of hours to ensure exposed patches are protected.”
Parents are advised to keep children aged under 6 months out of strong sunlight, and to cover up with suitable clothing because their skin is more sensitive than adults.
Families should also avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm, and cover children in a sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30.
“Parents should take extra care to protect babies and children,” Dr Lufty said. “Their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin, and damage caused by repeated exposure to sunlight could lead to skin cancer developing in later life.”
Avobenzone breaks down in the water forming compounds more commonly found in toxic products such as tear gas