Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sunblock is Bullshit
I know we do a lot of crazy things that other people don't do. Home birth, Homeschool, and, well, lots of other things I don't want to argue about but this one I have spoken about and HAH HAH HAH I am right.
Sunblock.
It's not good for you, it causes cancer. NOT the sun, mind you, the friggin sun block, OKAY
You can read my ramblings or read those of Mike Adams, who is some kind of expert.
It just isn't logical to me that the SUN- the light of the planet we were born to live on- would be toxic to our SKIN- the only thing designed to get in between our guts and the sun's light.
Mike says...
The scientific evidence, however, shows quite clearly that sunscreen actually promotes cancer by blocking the body's absorption of ultraviolet radiation, which produces vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D, as recent studies have shown, prevents up to 77% of ALL cancers in women (breast cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, brain tumors, multiple myeloma... you name it).
He says lots of other logical things, too but I urge you to read his article so I don't have to paste it all here.
I did a little detective work here, to discover the common ingredients in Sunscreen products and found THIS pdf database and THIS, the Skin Deep cosmetics ingredients database
So- the common sun-blocking ingredients are..
Homosalate (moderate hazard)
A UVB protector. Research indicates it is a weak hormone disruptor, forms toxic metabolites, and can enhance the penetration of a toxic herbicide. Restricted in Japan for cosmetics, Enhances skin absorption of toxins
Octinoxate (moderate hazard)
The most widely used sunscreen ingredient, known for its low potential to sensitize skin or act as a phototallergen. Estrogenic effects are noted in laboratory animals as well as disruption of thyroid hormone and brain signaling. Produces excess reactive oxygen species that can interfere with cellular signaling, cause mutations, lead to cell death and may be implicated in cardiovascular disease. Ingredient is suspected or measured to accumulate in people.
Oxybenzone (high hazard)
Associated with photoallergic reactions. This chemical absorbs through the skin in significant amounts. It contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans according to Centers for Disease Control research. Outlawed in Japan. Produces excess reactive oxygen species that can interfere with cellular signaling, cause mutations, lead to cell death and may be implicated in cardiovascular disease.
Octisalate (moderate hazard)
Octisalate is a weak UVB absorber with a generally good safety profile among sunscreen ingredients. It is a penetration enhancer, which may increase the amount of other ingredients passing through skin.
Zinc Oxide low - high risk
Zinc has a long history of use in sunscreen and other skin care products; little absorption and no adverse health effects are reported. Some sunscreens with zinc contain nanoparticles which do not penetrate skin but may pose toxicity concerns if inhaled (like in SPRAY SUNSCREEN) or in the environment. One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at high doses. One or more animal studies show skin irritation at moderate doses
Titanium Dioxide low- high risk
Titanium dioxide has a long history of use in sunscreen and other products. It appears safe for use on skin, due to low penetration but inhalation is a concern. Some titanium sunscreens (SPRAY SUNSCREEN) contain nano-size particles may have greater toxicity to body tissues and environment.
AvoBenz One not listed
Octocrylene (moderate hazard)
Octocrylene may be used in combination with other UV absorbers to achieve higher SPF formulas. It produces oxygen radicals when exposed to UV light. Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Japan - restricted for use in cosmetics (concentration limit)
Padimate-O (moderate hazard)
A derivative of the once-popular PABA sunscreen ingredient, research shows this chemical releases free radicals, damages DNA, has estrogenic activity, and still causes allergic reactions in some people.Restricted in Japan, bla bla bla this is getting old
Ensulizole (moderate hazard)
Known to produce free radicals when exposed to sunlight, leading to damage of DNA, this UVB protector may have the potential to cause cancer. Restricted in Japan.
Meradimate (low hazard)
A moderately effective UVA protector not permitted for use in Europe or Japan. 1 study found that it produces damaging reactive oxygen species when exposed to sunlight.
italic text notes are from me
Even though the EPA warns that
"Small children are ten times more sensitive to most chemicals than are adults."
and a lot of these ingredients increase skin absorption of pesticides (read above)
They've got a cute little downloadable song that teaches kids to use sunblock as part of an entire SunWise curriculum for teachers, parents and communities.
Anyhow- the bottom line is- don't burn. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and limit sun exposure until you've built up a little base coat of protection. It's sun burns (and sun block) that cause cell damage. So use your brain and get out of the sun if you're prone to burning.
If we lived in tribes and spent most of our time outdoors, it wouldn't be that big of a deal, we'd all be a little toasted all year long. However, we spend most of our time indoors, (like um all winter) and have weakened our body's natural ability to deal with the sun. So build it back up, spend more time (ease into it) outdoors and get the Vitamin D that you deserve to prevent 77% of cancers. Even Gardasil doesn't do that (don't get me started on Gardasil)
Lotsa crazy crud going down at the Hannigan house. Don't miss another post,
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