Every day, nearly 10,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer.
The good news is that applying sunscreen can substantially reduce a person’s risk of getting skin cancer. The bad news is that the federal government is doing its best to keep effective sunscreens out of the hands of ordinary Americans.
Unlike most developed countries, the United States classifies sunscreen as a drug, not a cosmetic. That means sunscreens are subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which does not have the best track record on swiftly approving new therapies. The agency hasn’t approved a new type of sunscreen since 1999. We’re lathering up with the same stuff we did a quarter-century ago—despite advancements in the science behind preventing sunburns, or worse.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.
How The FDA’s Sunscreen Skepticism Burns Americans
Sally C. Pipes
Every day, nearly 10,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer.
The good news is that applying sunscreen can substantially reduce a person’s risk of getting skin cancer. The bad news is that the federal government is doing its best to keep effective sunscreens out of the hands of ordinary Americans.
Unlike most developed countries, the United States classifies sunscreen as a drug, not a cosmetic. That means sunscreens are subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which does not have the best track record on swiftly approving new therapies. The agency hasn’t approved a new type of sunscreen since 1999. We’re lathering up with the same stuff we did a quarter-century ago—despite advancements in the science behind preventing sunburns, or worse.
Click to read the full article in Forbes.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.