UV Rays Don't Stand a Chance

Lehigh Valley, Pa. (September 13, 2007) – In an apparent blow to ultraviolet (UV) radiation everywhere, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will now test sun block for UVA radiation effectiveness, the type of radiation that causes skin to tan. Currently, the FDA only tests sun block for its effectiveness against UVB radiation, which is the type that causes sun-burns.

Under the proposed new rules, sun block labels will still carry the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) for UVB radiation, but it will now recognize up to level SPF 50. The new labels will include a star rating system of 0-4 stars; zero having a "no UVA protection" label, and four stars being the "max" protection available against UVB radiation. The new labels also will carry additional information in the drug facts box that warns about the harmful effects of tanning.

"You should always use sun blocks outside," Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network surgical oncologist Paul Mosca, M.D., says. "Even when you think you don't need it, you should always wear it. More and more evidence is suggesting that UVA and UVB radiation can lead to pre-cancers like actinic keratoses, and almost certainly causes or increases risk of certain kinds of cancer."

Mosca also adds that you should always wear the proper attire outside to avoid overlong exposure to UV radiation. "Really, sun block should be viewed as a bonus or supplement to proper skin care, rather than a crutch," he says.

Under the new set of guidelines, the FDA will allow new combinations of active ingredients in sun blocks as well.

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