Senator wants FDA action on sunscreen ingredient
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Referencing preclinical data from the National Center for Toxicological Research and the National Toxicology Program that suggest an association between skin cancer and retinyl palmitate, Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., urges FDA to evaluate data and offer consumer guidance. The vitamin A compound is found in 41% of sunscreens, according to the Environmental Working Group, which also called the ingredient's use into question in its recent state-of-the-market sunscreen report (1"The Rose Sheet" May 31, 2010). EWG claims that for nearly a year, research has been available demonstrating that tumors and lesions developed up to 21% more rapidly in rodents coated with a retinyl-palmitate-based cream, versus animals in the non-RT group, when both groups were exposed to UV radiation. With more Americans using sunscreen over the summer months, "if the product they are using is doing more harm than good, they have a right to know," Schumer asserts in June 14 release. He urges FDA to address concerns about retinyl palmitate and to announce a timeline for its long-delayed sunscreen final rule