Are chemical free sunblocks safe?
On One Hand: Fewer Nasty IngredientsNon-chemical sunblocks contain fewer dangerous ingredients than conventional sunblocks; Benzophenones, PABA and PABA esters, cinnamates, salicylates, digalloyl trioleate, menthyl anthranilate and avobenzone are all absent. Some of these chemicals produce a lot of free radicals, making them carcinogenic, and others promote unnatural estrogenic activity, leading to hormone disorders.On the Other: Still Contain Titanium Dioxide and Zinc OxideWhile usually considered a good sunblock alternative, especially in fine or coarse form, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in superfine or nano-sized particles are not confirmed as safe. The European Union’s (EU) Scientific Committee on Cosmetics called for a safety review of these mineral nanoparticles in 2007. It had denied zinc oxide’s approval for use in sunscreen in the EU in 2003, according to the Environmental Working Group.Bottom LineThe best option is for people to wear long-sleeved shirts and hats, and to li
