Concern about sunscreens comes from both from chemicals as hormone disruptors and skin penetration enhancers
Doubt has been cast over the accuracy of the nano status of some sunscreen brands.The concern is that nano particles may set off a reaction that alters DNA and damages cells. Friends of the Earth had to recall their Safe Sunscreen Guide when they discovered that certain products promoted as ‘nano free’ contained nano particles. Friends of the Earth has now lodged a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia believes there is no need for labelling of sunscreens with nano particles. New Zealand has just announced that nano-sunscreens must be labelled by 2015, in line with new European regulations.
Eco Parenting’s Sun Safety Tips (from ‘eco parenting – growing greener children‘ by Jane Hanckel)
• Cover up your child with protective clothing, closely woven but loose-fitting and a sun hat.
• Find shade – or create it. Picnic under a tree, read beneath an umbrella, take a canopy to the beach.
• Use the stroller’s canopy or hood for shade or use a piece of muslin or light cloth to protect your baby.
• Plan your time outside around the sun. If your schedule is flexible, go outdoors in early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky. UV radiation peaks at midday, when the sun is directly overhead.
• Follow product warnings for sunscreen on infants. Consult safe sunscreen guide see Friends of the Earth ‘Safe Sunscreen Guide’
• If your child attends childcare or preschool provide your own suitable sunscreen.
• Cover up the children when possible. Toddlers and children can be sensitive to chemical allergens in sunscreens.
Eco parenting is currently developing an innovative, engaging and interactive 3D ‘look inside the human body’. This 3D pilot will demonstrate a child’s wellbeing and the links to diet, lifestyle and environment. If you would like to support this project and receive a one on one consultation with Jane Hanckel and a signed copy of her book then please click here.