Recent evaluation of multiple sunscreens by an independent lab, Valisure, found benzene contamination in certain lots of sunscreens and after-sun products. More than three-quarters of the products are sprays. In response, Johnson and Johnson recalled the incriminated products after independently confirming the test results. Benzene is not normally an ingredient in sunscreens and the source of the contamination is being investigated. Benzene is a known carcinogen and exposure should be avoided. It is believed that small cumulative exposure (primarily through inhalation of car exhaust, secondhand smoke, etc.) over years and decades leads to increased risk of certain cancers. Valicom posted a list of tested sunscreens that were free of traces of benzene: Valisure. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays is a predisposing factor for the development of skin cancers. Protect your skin by:
- Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with minimum SPF 15 (30 for more prolonged exposure) to all exposed skin areas. For more info visit: SkinCancer.org.
- Wear sun-protective clothing. Many companies produce a variety of stylish options with lightweight materials
- Wear a broad brim hat and UV protection sunglasses.
- Do outdoor activities early or late in the day. Avoid peak sun exposure between 10 am-3pm in spring/summer.
THERE’S NO NEED TO HESITATE OR PROCRASTINATE. PLEASE VACCINATE!
In recent weeks the national death rate from COVID has been rising and is being called by the head of the CDC a “pandemic of the unvaccinated”. Unvaccinated Americans account for virtually all hospitalizations and deaths. Three vaccines approved for emergency use by the FDA, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson, are safe and highly effective in preventing serious disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 and their benefits outweighs their risks. Many steps have been taken to ensure that the vaccines are safe. For details please visit: Hopkins Medicine. If you’ve been reluctant to receive a vaccine, please reconsider for your well being, the wellness and safety of your family, friends, co-workers, and community.
