Nexus - 1902 - New Times Magazine-pages

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It is critical to stop avoiding the sun entirely and get the world's population back up to healthy levels of vitamin D. In essence, with sunscreens we are only protected from UVB and UVA rays, while the more harmful near-infrared rays are allowed through to the skin to create unseen damage. The evidence is clear that this is the case, yet sunscreens labelled as "broad spectrum" continue to be marketed to people as if they will protect them. This is creating another false sense of protection. ee tte Safety Concerns with Broad-Spectrum Formulas sunscreens labelled as "broad spectrum" continue to be The new "broad spectrum" formulas are not the answer. marketed to people as if they will protect them. This is These newer formulated sunscreens are termed "broad creating another false sense of protection. spectrum" because manufacturers are now utilising chemicals to filter both UVB and UVA rays. Several — Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Harmful to Life ae aw eee ey ee chemicals are required to create a broad-spectrum effect, Many studies are now being published which identify as each chemical covers only a certain portion of the that sunscreen chemicals cause disruption to all types of solar spectrum. However, there are problems associated life. The chemicals used in sunscreens are very potent with combining chemicals. Sunscreen chemicals or hormones and, as such, are classified as endocrine- metals can become inactivated upon exposure to disrupting chemicals (EDCs). They can act like sunlight—a process called oestrogens, anti-oestrogens, photodegradation. This results in their no estosterones or antitestosterones longer being able to protect the skin when they are introduced into the from solar radiation. Combining body, disrupting the natural hormone + . 24 ee this Process occur Sunscreen use hon researchers gave rats the In addition, research studies have has been so sunscreen chemicals benzophenone-3 identified that while some chemicals BP-3), 4-methylbenzylidene camphor may have low toxicity when used well promoted 4-MBC) and octyl methoxycinnamate individually, combinations of them in America that OMC), they found that the weight of create new chemical complexes that he rats’ uteruses increased, which are much more toxic.’ Many studies, benzophenone 3 shows that these chemicals exert an citing that chemical combinations are 1S NOW found in oestrogenic action. now the norm for sunscreen Based on these results, the the blood of 97% preparations, end with the urging that researchers stated their concerns: toxic. effects, of sunscreen OEE, screens should be tested {or chemicals has to study their including 90% of endocrine activity, in view of aes amen mics 1" MM those who stated MJ poss: oneserm etfs hink tha individually approved they had never In 2008, the ‘same lead researcher and _ colleagues determined that 4-MBC and 3- benzylidene camphor (3-BC) affect both the reproductive organs and the central nervous system, demonstrating that these are sensitive targets which chemicals do not have harmful potential when combined to create new chemical structures when in fact it has already been proven that these individually approved sunscreen chemicals are not as safe as we have been led to used sunscreens. believe. develop toxic developmental effects from the hormonally Moreover, UV radiation covers only a small portion o activating sunscreen chemicals. the solar spectrum, and what are now being promoted as They concluded: "These data indicate that pre- and "broad spectrum" sun filters do not provide all the postnatal exposure to 4-MBC and 3-BC can interfere with protection we need. Of the solar radiation tha sexual development at brain and reproductive organ penetrates the Earth's atmosphere, the entire UVB and evels."* They also determined that differing UVA spectrum makes up only 4%, the visible range o combinations of chemicals appear to affect the type o' light comprises 49% and the near-infrared (NIR) radiation __ influence that they exert. constitutes 47%."! These NIR rays are more penetrating, Sunscreen use has been so well promoted in America going much deeper than UVA rays, and they cause hat benzophenone-3 is now found in the blood of 97% o damaging changes that can result in cancers and photo- Americans, including 90% of those who stated they had ageing of the skin as they destroy both collagen and never used sunscreens.” This chemical is so widely used elastin.’ Many new chemicals and methods have been hat it has found its way into our water systems, and the researched to prevent NIR damage at the cellular level, _ water filtration plants do not have the capacity to remove but no satisfactory solutions have been found.” it from the water supply. has been so well promoted in America that benzophenone-3 is now found in now of Americans, including 90% of those who stated they had never used sunscreens. lead In Moreover, UV radiation covers only a small portion o the solar spectrum, and what are now being promoted as "broad spectrum" sun filters do not provide all the protection we need. Of the solar radiation tha penetrates the Earth's atmosphere, the entire UVB and UVA spectrum makes up only 4%, the visible range o light comprises 49% and the near-infrared (NIR) radiation constitutes 47%." These NIR rays are more penetrating, going much deeper than UVA rays, and they cause damaging changes that can result in cancers and photo- ageing of the skin as they destroy both collagen and elastin.’ Many new chemicals and methods have been researched to prevent NIR damage at the cellular level, but no satisfactory solutions have been found.” NEXUS ° 31 Sunscreen use the blood of 97% FEBRUARY - MARCH 2012 www.nexusmagazine.com