sunscreens

Experts from Environment Working Group (EWG), U.S., found that skin-cancer cases are rising owing to extensive usage of sunscreens and chemicals present in them that may result in DNA damage.

EWG, a non-profitable public health advocacy group, specializes in environmental research and support in the areas of toxic chemicals, agricultural subsidies, public lands, and corporate accountability.

The Washington Post quoted Margaret Parsons, dermatologist in Sacramento, and board member of American Academy of Dermatology, as saying, “It gives a false sense of security.”

A study conducted by researchers at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology of University of Utah, U.S., shows that sunscreens contain nanoparticles of zinc oxide, which is toxic in nature and can harm the colon cells if eaten accidentally.

To come up with this finding, the researchers carried out lab experiments with cell cultures of colon cells and compared the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles to larger sized zinc oxide particles sold as a conventional powder.

Sunscreen nanoparticles found to be toxic