The Chicago weather forecast is looking good so far and it’s warming up nicely. Pretty soon, it’ll be 85-90 degrees and we’ll be outside soaking up the warm sun.
But before we run out into the sun with kids in tow, please read this article from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) about the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) failure to establish workable sunscreen standards that are a contributing factor to children’s vitamin D deficiencies and resulting health risks.
Also, EWG states that insufficient amounts of vitamin D are believed to play a role in the development of heart disease, some immune disorders, diabetes, and even the flu, while excess UVA exposures can contribute to skin cancer and skin aging.
(EWG followed up with the following article about the ‘House Readies to Advance Sunscreen Innovation Act.’ This group does some amazing work to keep our kids, and our family safe from hazardous products.)
Bottom line is…Use good sunscreen – but don’t depend on it.
Do yourself a favor and examine the section titled 2014 Sunscreen Guide on their website. It’ll motivate you to search for ‘green’ sunscreens that have a low cancer hazard score; and you can filter out if they come in lotion or stick form as well. You’re able to see how well your current sunscreen ranks too! I can’t say enough about EWG!
After reading and researching about the good, the bad, and the ugly sunscreens, then make a knowledgeable decision about which less toxic sunscreen to use on your kids and yourself before going out in the sun.
Please let us know what you find out about your favorite sunscreen. Does it have a hazardous score? Is it in the red, yellow, or green category? Will you search for a ‘greener’ product to use?
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