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FDA wants the labeling on your sunscreen to tell you more about protection against the sun's harmful rays.
Under a new regulation, the agency has proposed that sunscreen labeling be expanded to provide
UVA and UVB are types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the sun. Although the atmosphere's ozone layer shields us from most of this radiation, the UV light that gets through can cause problems.
UVB light is primarily responsible for sunburn. UVA light penetrates the skin more than UVB light does, and causes tanning. Both types of UV light contribute to premature skin aging, skin cancer, and other types of skin damage.
Currently, sunscreen labels are required to carry a "Sunburn Protection Factor" (SPF) value that informs potential users how well the product protects against UVB light.
Under the proposed regulation, a UVA star rating would be prominently displayed on sunscreen labels, near the SPF rating.
"For more than 30 years, consumers have been able to identify the level of UVB protection provided by sunscreens using only sunburn protection factor or SPF values," said Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner, Food and Drugs. Under this proposal, "consumers will also now know the level of UVA protection in sunscreens, which will help them make informed decisions about protecting themselves and their children against the harmful effects of the sun."
With the proposed UVA rating system
FDA / Zebulon Rogerson
In addition to the new rating system, FDA wants sunscreen labels to advise consumers that using a sunscreen is just one way they can protect themselves against the sun. Limiting time in the sun and wearing protective clothing as part of a comprehensive sun protection regimen are other recommendations that would be prominently displayed on labels. Using sunscreens liberally and reapplying frequently would also be advised.
FDA also wants to make changes regarding protection against UVB light. The agency has proposed amending its existing rule on UVB products to increase the maximum sunburn protection factor from SPF 30+ to SPF 50+.
The proposed rule is asking the public to comment on the use of nanoparticle ingredients in sunscreens, and is proposing to
FDA Press Release
www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01687.html
Questions and Answers
www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/sunscreen/qa.htm
FDA Sunscreen Web page
www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/sunscreen/default.htm
FDA's Web site for OTC drug products
www.fda.gov/cder/Offices/OTC/consumer.htm
FDA's Tanning Web site
www.fda.gov/cdrh/tanning/
Sun Safety: Save Your Skin!
www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/sun072407.html
Date Posted: August 23, 2007