Potential Health Risks of Sunscreen

Potential Health Risks Of Sunscreen

Sunscreen is widely acknowledged to protect against sunburn and two common forms of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, there is some evidence that sunscreen use can contribute to negative health outcomes. The major claims include:

  • Some sunscreens only protect against UVB radiation, and not against the more dangerous UVA component of the spectrum. Incomplete protection against the full ultraviolet spectrum, combined with increased time spent in the sun, can lead to an increase in the risks of developing malignant melanoma, a rarer but more deadly form of skin cancer.
  • Some sunscreen ingredients (such as oxybenzone, benzophenone, octocrylene, or octyl methoxycinnamate) may be potentially carcinogenic or have other health risks.
  • Reduced exposure to ultraviolet light in sunlight can contribute to Vitamin D deficiency.

These issues have precipitated various levels of disagreement within the academic community over the benefits and risks of sunscreen use. Most health authorities and medical associations have concluded that, on the whole, sunscreen use is beneficial.

Read more about Potential Health Risks Of Sunscreen:  Studies of Melanoma Rates, Alternative View, Clinical Study, Social Impact, Sunscreen and Vitamin D, See Also

Famous quotes containing the words potential, health and/or risks:

    Much of what contrives to create critical moments in parenting stems from a fundamental misunderstanding as to what the child is capable of at any given age. If a parent misjudges a child’s limitations as well as his own abilities, the potential exists for unreasonable expectations, frustration, disappointment and an unrealistic belief that what the child really needs is to be punished.
    Lawrence Balter (20th century)

    The community and family networks which helped sustain earlier generations have become scarcer for growing numbers of young parents. Those who lack links to these traditional sources of support are hard-pressed to find other resources, given the emphasis in our society on providing treatment services, rather than preventive services and support for health maintenance and well-being.
    Bernice Weissbourd (20th century)

    The question is whether personal freedom is worth the terrible effort, the never-lifted burden and risks of self-reliance.
    Rose Wilder Lane (1886–1968)