Lowey Burned That FDA Hasn't Finalized Sunscreen Regulations

U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., has called on the Food and Drug Administration to finalize guidelines and provide safety information to protect consumers from ineffective and dangerous sunscreen.

Lowey, whose district includes New City, introduced legislation in July 2007 requiring the FDA to establish standards for sunscreens to protect individuals from not just sunburn-causing UVB rays, but also cancer-causing UVA rays.  One month later, the FDA issued a proposed rule that would require UVB and UVA testing and labeling to provide consumers with information on products' effectiveness.  Nearly three years later, the regulations are still not finalized, Lowey said.

Lowey also called on FDA to determine immediately whether Vitamin A and its derivatives, found in many sunscreens, may accelerate the spread of skin cancer.

Here's the text of a letter Lowey sent to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg:

This month the Environmental Working Group (EWG) published its annual sunscreen report, which once again highlights the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) failure to finalize guidelines to protect consumers from ineffective and dangerous sunscreen.  It also contains troubling allegations that vitamin A and its derivatives may speed the growth of cancerous skin tumors.  I urge you to immediately issue a final rule and publish results of any study relating to vitamin A and its derivatives.

Current regulations, which pertain to only UVB radiation, do not adequately protect individuals from harmful UVA rays that dermatologists agree are a major cause of skin cancer and premature aging.  In July 2007, I introduced legislation requiring the FDA to establish standards for UVA protection.  The next month the FDA issued a proposed rule for over-the-counter sunscreen that would require UVB and UVA testing and labeling to provide consumers with information on products' effectiveness.  Due to FDA inaction, the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of Agriculture and Related Agencies spending bill required it to issue the final rule before December 31, 2009.  Nearly three years after the proposed rule was announced, and five months after the congressional deadline, the FDA has still not acted.

Consumers should know whether a product will protect them from both sunburn and skin cancer, as well as whether vitamin A or any other additive may accelerate cancerous growth.  The FDA has a responsibility to issue standards, and sunscreen manufacturers should not be allowed to make unproven and deceptive claims.  As millions prepare for a summer of outdoor activities, the FDA must provide Americans with peace of mind that products they purchase will keep them safe.