OAK BAY – People who have craved the heat took full advantage of the 30+ temperatures today. Willows beach was packed, littered with beach toys. With the sun comes a high UV index and a doctors’ warning to cover up and protect your skin from the risk of getting skin cancer. But some say sunscreen could be bad for you. A new study warns that the most common form of sunblock could be full of toxic ingredients which could be cancer-causing. A study by the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit group in the United States, found that only 8 per cent of 500 tested sunscreens could be recommended for consumer use. The concern? Potentially toxic or unstable ingredients, some of which could become carcinogenic when exposed to sunlight.
VIHA’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Richard Stanwick understands that some people may be worried about the chemicals used in sunscreen, but adds that the findings are not definitive.
But that possibility is enough for some people to choose other sun-protection options, from all-natural sunscreens to hats and long-sleeved clothes.
For a complete list of sunscreens recommended by the Environmental Working Group, visit http://www.ewg.org.
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The HST begins tomorrow as well as an increase to the carbon tax and a list and guide to Canada Day celebrations in the Vancouver Sun, July 1, 2010
Statistics Canada report reveals BC is the worst province for hate crimes.
The RCMP today announced an out of court settlement with the mother of airport Taser victim Robert Dziekanski. Managing Editor Kirk LaPointe discusses this story, as well as others that reporters and editors are preparing for publication in The Vancouver Sun and on vancouversun.com overnight.
Video shot Jan. 20, 2010 at Lake Placid, N.Y. Tony Benshoof, an American luger, talks about the track at Whistler.