Chemicals found in sunscreens are absorbed by the skin and enter the bloodstream, according to a new study. However, how long the chemicals stay in the bloodstream and whether they are harmful is unknown.
The findings of the study were published Monday by the Journal of American Medicine, which sent shock waves through the medical fraternity.
The team of researchers found that the four chemicals can enter a human being’s bloodstream within a day of use. However, researchers at Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS) said that it has raised more questions than answers.
Toxicology specialist with MIHS Dr. Dan Quan said, “You have to kind of take it with a grain of salt and take a look at the study, and you have to see what the methods are.”
There have been many questions asked: How much sunscreen should I apply? How often should I use it? How often should I reapply it? This is clearly prompting people to question whether the risks of chemicals or the risks of the sun are worth it.
Dr. Quan said, “Is this really a big deal? How much absorption of sunscreen is toxic to your body? Unfortunately, nobody knows. Even when you sweat, you do wash some of it off, or some of it does come off the skin, or when you’re swimming it does come off the skin too.”
People in Phoenix have no plan on changing their routine when it comes to the application of sunscreen until they get concrete answers.
Arizona State University (ASU) student Kevin Fleischman said, “I’ll still use sunscreen just to protect myself.” Another ASU student Nancy Cuevas said, “It feels weird if you have it on for the rest of the day.” The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is looking into the use of sunscreens.
