Second thoughts on Sunscreen

Since I've started work on a farm for the summer, I'll be wearing lots of sunscreen every day!

Did you know that there are controversial issues surrounding sunscreen use?

The Environmental Working Group has put together a great site highlighting some of the studies and controversies about sunscreen ingredients and effectiveness.

After doing some research, the major points I've incorporated into my sunscreen habits are:

1. Avoid Vitamin A, also known as retinyl palmitate and retinol.
Studies have linked this ingredient to faster skin tumour and lesion development when it is applied to skin and exposed to sunlight.
2. Avoid oxybenzone and 4-MBC.
These chemicals are endocrine (hormone) disruptors.
3. Rely on clothing, hats and shade more than sunscreen to protect against skin cancer.
4. Choose a sunscreen with a good score on the EWG rating site.
You can search for your brand and see how it rates!

I started using Green Beaver (a company near Ottawa) sunscreen after I saw it on EWG's Best Of list. It's expensive, but rates really well. The sunscreen is certified organic, fragrance-free, with no nano particles (which are fairly new and lacks research into potential effects). I don't use it on my face as it doesn't really absorb and stays sticky for a long time. A solution for that might be their SPF 15 face cream, which I haven't tried.

I'm curious, have you heard about any of these issues regarding sunscreen?

Endocrine Disruptors in Cosmetics

Remember the environmental petition sent by the David Suzuki Foundation and Réseau des femmes en environnemment I blogged about earlier? It asked Health Canada and Environment Canada to explain their policies and actions regarding endocrine* disrupting chemicals used in cosmetics.

The government's responses are now online, as well as a follow-up petition submitted in response to the responses.

The follow-up petition alleges "that Health Canada’s response to Petition 310 regarding the presence of endocrine disrupting substances in cosmetics did not take into account the full priority list of suspected endocrine disrupting substances developed by the European Union in a series of studies since 2000. The petitioners also inquire whether the Department actively monitors international developments in endocrine disruption science and policy."

Response to the second petition is pending and will be online in the near future.

*the endocrine system is composed of glands that release hormones into the bloodstream.

Democratic Detox

Do you know about Canada's Office of the Auditor General's (OAG) Petition process?
I learned about it at work and I'm amazed that I didn't know about this before!

Basically, anyone with an environmental concern that falls under federal responsibility can ask questions to the ministry responsible, and receive a response from them.

As explained on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada's website:

"The petitions process was established by Parliament to make sure Canadians can get answers from federal ministers on specific environmental and sustainable development issues that involve federal jurisdiction. In addition to providing information to petitioners, petitions have prompted such action by federal departments as new environmental projects, follow-up on alleged violations, and changes or clarifications in policies and practices. The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development reports annually to Parliament on the petitions process."

It's pretty interesting to look through the catalogue of previous petitions and read them and the responses from the government.

Here is one I am keeping an eye on; the responses have not yet been posted.

Petition: 310
Issue(s): Human and environmental health, and toxic substances
Petitioner(s): Suzuki Foundation and Réseau des femmes en environnement
Summary: The petitioners allege that endocrine disrupting chemicals are used in cosmetic products in Canada. They are concerned about the consequences this may have on the health of humans and on the environment. The petitioners ask Health Canada how it interprets and enforces the Food and Drugs Act and the Cosmetics Regulations with respect to these substances. They also ask Environment Canada how it monitors the release of endocrine disrupting chemicals into the environment.

Federal Departments Responsible for Reply: Environment Canada, Health Canada

 If you would like more information on how to submit a petition, here's a short video describing the process. The form and more information can be found on the OAG website.