From the Popular Press: What Your Patients are Reading:

Last summer the US FDA proposed a set of rules detailing a process of standardization for sunscreen labeling. Under these rules, sunscreen manufacturers would have to divulge more information to consumers on the efficacy of each brand of sunscreen. Since the rules were proposed, however, the FDA has not taken action to finalize the rules. Now two US Senators, Christopher Dodd (D) of Connecticut and Senator Jack Reed (D) of Rhode Island, have introduced the Sunscreen Labeling Protection Act of 2008, which if passed would give the FDA 180 days to make its proposed rules final. Senator Dodd stated that he believes the FDA is deliberately moving slowly on the sunscreen rules because of the costs that will be incurred by sunscreen manufacturers. It is estimated that new rules on sunscreen labeling would cost the industry approximately $124 million, which would cover UVA testing and relabeling products. Currently sunscreens use the sun protection factor (SPF) numbering system to rate each sunscreen’s rate of protection against sunburn by short-wavelength UVB rays. The new rules would include a second rating system of UVA rays, which have longer wavelengths and can also cause damage to the skin. Many consumers believe they are adequately protecting themselves from the sun’s harmful rays, but they may be applying a sunscreen that blocks out only UVB rays, and allows UVA rays through. Senators Dodd and Reed hope their bill will spur the FDA to act quickly in finalizing the rules that will prevent this misconception in the future.

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