An excellent summary of the statement and CDC study can be found on Rachel's Democracy newsletter # 952.
The Food and Drug Administration has failed miserably in its duty to
protect the public from toxic chemicals like oxybenzone in personal
care products. At the request of industry lobbyists, including Supreme
Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who represented the Cosmetic
Toiletry and Fragrance Association, the agency has delayed final
sunscreen safety standards for nearly 30 years. FDA issued a new draft
of the standards last October under pressure from EWG, but continues
to delay finalizing them at the behest of the regulated industry.
The Skinny:
Sunscreen works and it does help prevent skin cancer, but so do protective clothing and shade. Also, most of us don't get enough Vitamin D, so you don't always want sunscreen on every inch of you all the time. Check your sunscreen labels for oxybenzone, as well as PABA, also a nasty one. Be especially cautious if you are pregnant. And don't forget the healing effects of a pina colada while on the beach. Cheers.
