NEWSBRIEF - Safety of sunscreens questioned.
There is growing evidence that the widespread use of sunscreens may actually increase the risk of skin cancer because it encourages people to stay out in the sun longer. Now Norwegian researchers report that 90 per cent of all sunscreens on the market contain an ingredient, octylmethoxycinnamate (OMC), which has been found to be highly toxic. The researchers exposed mouse cells to OMC and found that they died; the die-off increased dramatically when the cells were also exposed to simulated sunlight. Terje Christensen of the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority says that sunscreens should be treated "with caution" and should only be used as a last resort.
New Scientist, October 7, 2000, p. 13