In another news story illustrating the potentially disastrous health effects that studies hyping such exaggerated risks may perpetuate, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) has demanded that the FDA immediately provide guidance and reassurance to consumers about a potential link between a common sunscreen additive and skin cancer.
Studies conducted in laboratory animals suggest a possible link between retinyl palmitate and skin cancer, but no human data was analyzed, says ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross.
Much like Angiotensin-receptor blockers and hypertension, sunscreens are also very important to protect users against the damaging effects of the sun. Sen. Schumer is trying to scare people about the safety of sunscreen ingredients, yet we should be encouraging people to use it, emphasizes ACSH's Jeff Stier. Sen. Schumer may be a charter member of the UnSound Science Caucus.