Aerosol Sunscreen – Is there a health risk?
Whether from the sun or an artificial source, UV rays are a proven human carcinogen. So as a mother of two, sunscreen is a must in my house! Because let’s face it, the facts are scary: skin cancer is the most common form of cancer; one American dies every hour from skin cancer (American Cancer Society); and melanoma is the second most common cancer for people 15-29 yrs old. (Skin Cancer Foundation).
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a concern for aerosol sunscreen regarding the inhalation risks as well as effectiveness in coverage. It appears the FDA doesn’t have enough information from the industry’s manufactures to make a decision regarding the safety of the aerosol method.
Like most other mothers, I considered using the aerosol because it’s easy and convenient. I never considered it as a potential health danger to my family. After seeing the FDA’s announcement, I began searching the internet for discussion groups, pediatric recommendations, etc. By the end of my search, I only found one warning stating that aerosol sunscreen may be dangerous to children with asthma.
What are your thoughts on aerosol sunscreen? Did it cover your skin effectively? Are you concerned about the airborne chemicals?
Elissa Plastino
3:16 pm on Friday, June 17, 2011
Hey Kym, it's Elissa (@eplastino)! My kids' daycare banned aerosol sunscreen this year because of the concerns. I've used it without any problems but the spray is hard to control so my kids didn't really like it. I find the lotion much easier to apply and I can be sure to cover every inch of their skin. Plus the kids can "help" put it on so they don't mind it anymore.
Kym McGee
3:53 pm on Friday, June 17, 2011
Thanks for the feedback Elissa!! I didn't realize that some places were banning the aerosol version.
Victoria Siegel
3:42 pm on Saturday, June 25, 2011
Check out this invaluable resource from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) on sunscreens: http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/
The EWG provides scientific data on what's in our products and also has a great database to research what's in your cosmetics.
Lori Bowers
9:14 am on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Hey Kym! Great to see you as a patch blogger. I am not a big fan of the aerosol sunscreen, however my original concern was if the wind was blowing it did not seem to cover the body very well. Plus it seems like they run out quickly. I, like you, never considered the aerosol would be harmful.
Kym McGee
10:56 am on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Thanks for the comment. I've also heard that aerosol doesn't cover the body very well. My pediatrican says to spray it on your hand and then apply - which is same method as lotion. I guess I'll stick with lotion.
Will Wilson
8:13 am on Monday, April 23, 2012
I am very anti-aerosol applications to the body. Then again, I was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam, so I am touch on the subject. The Sun block aerosols have to be a serious risk to lungs. Just imagine applying a sunblock to the insides of your lungs - or kids lungs - add to that, the medium to carry the stuff.
I have to add that I have always wondered why women are so willing to put on hairspray, especially in an enclosed place like a bathroom. If it holds your hair down, what is it doing to the inside of your lungs over many years?