Reading Sunscreen Labels Can SaveYour Family’s Health (NAPSA)—Studies showthat parents need to exercise caution when choosing the right sunscreen fortheir kids. ‘The Surprising Problem Manyparents might be shocked to find that approximately 70 percent of sunscreens—even those labeled kidfriendly—contain harmful chemicals, the most common of which are oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone and octocrylene. Considered toxic to humans, they've been banned in Hawaii andthey cankill coral reefs. “Imagine what they can do to children?says Lisa Palmer, mother You can protect your children from both harmful UVrays and the harmful chemicals found in some sunscreens. of two and co-founderofa reef-friendly mineral sunscreen andskincareline. Compared to chemical lotions, use sunscreen, we reduce their chances even worse. Theycan bejustastoxic, the them, and they're often flammable. the safest thing to do. Many common sunscreen brands claim to be mineral-based, but theystill contain avoben- 20 minutes of applying chemical sun- is used asa stabilizer, making the sun- chemical spray-on sunscreens may be fumeslingerin theair and you can inhale Whetheryou use sprayorlotion, within screen,the toxinsenter the bloodstream, are detected in urine, have been known to cause cancer and have been shown to potentially result in kidney and liver dys- function, and nervoussystem disorders. ‘Thatsaid, you can't just expose your kids to dangerous ultraviolet (UV)rays, either. Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to skin cancer, premature aging of the skin, and inflammationsof the eye, points out the World Health Organiza- tion, adding a health issue of growing concernis that UV radiation can reduce theeffectiveness of the human immune system. HowToSave TheSkin You’re In “Evidence shows that when kids ofgetting melanomalaterinlife by 40 percent,” says Palmer. “Using theright sunscreen without any chemicals is zone, a derivative of oxybenzone, which screenjust as harmful,” ‘The Environmental Working Group's website ranks sunscreensso you can see if the one your family usesis safe. Trop- icSport, madefrom non-nanozinc oxide and titanium dioxide, key to shielding the skin from the sun's harmful rays, is at the top. The sunscreen comesin a non-goopyformula that doesn't leave a ghostly white glow. Forbest protection from UV rays, use sunscreen every day, regardless of the weatherortimeofyear, apply it 30 minutes before you go out and renewit every two hours andafter swimming. For Learn More further tropicsport.com. facts, visit www.
