"The FDA was to provide consumer guidelines on just what sun protection factor (SPF) was necessary and what ultraviolet (UV) exposure led to increased cancer risk and other skin damage. No doubt, the task was and is monumental. But three decades? "

"Not willing to wait any longer -- and concerned about the millions of sunburned days that Americans endure each summer -- the non-profit watchdog Environmental Working Group published an ambitious database earlier this month that rates more than 780 name-brand sunscreens for safety and effectiveness."

") on any parent's or sun worshipper's hard drive. At least now we have a starting point for determining if a product indeed is protecting our skin, especially from the UVA sun rays that are most damaging."

""Our research shows some products are far more effective than others, while presenting fewer safety concerns," said Jane Houlihan, research director at Environmental Working Group. "Before we launched this Web site, the consumer had no way to identify the safest and most effective sunscreens.""

"Houlihan has worked through many controversial ratings in her post, including Environmental Working Group's widely noted list of 10 worst fruits containing pesticide residues. In the case of sunscreen, Houlihan serves as a realist rather than a beach-party pooper."

""The SPF rating on the product is helpful, but it is only part of what a consumer needs to know," Houlihan said. "Our rating system includes critical information on UVA protection, how stable the product is in the sun and potential health hazards of the product's ingredients."

""EWG has conducted this research because the FDA has failed to do so. With over one million cases of skin cancer reported each year people should have the most reliable information available about which sunscreens will provide the best protection.""

"The database lists names that you are likely to recognize -- and maybe even use. The five least effective sunscreens are identified and, perhaps not coincidentally, are associated with beauty and cosmetics products: L'Or�al Dermo-Expertise Line Eraser, Pure Retinol, Daily Treatment with SPF 15; B. Kamins Chemist Bio-Maple day cream SPF 15; Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion with SPF 15; B. Kamins Chemist Day Cream SPF 15; and Caren et Cie Face Treatment (French Vanilla) SPF 15."

"In fact, Environmental Working Group found that 84 percent of 785 sunscreen products with an SPF rating of 15 or higher "offer inadequate protection from the sun's harmful rays, or contain ingredients with safety concerns." Delve into the database long enough and you will be strategizing ways to get more shade, wear more hats and avoid too much exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m."

"The research is based on analysis of nearly 400 peer-reviewed studies of the 17 sunscreen chemicals approved for use by the federal government. Plus, the non-profit consumer group scoured 60 databases on chemical hazards from government and industry sources for any connection to sunscreen ingredient toxicity."

"American consumers are certainly more aware of sun protection issues than when the FDA started its sunscreen standards efforts three decades ago. Trouble is, as buyers plunk down money for high SPF ratings, "broad spectrum" protection and waterproof claims, there is no guarantee that what's on the label is all that effective or safe or both."

"One example: The databases shows 12 percent of sunscreens with an SPF rating of 30 protect only against UVB radiation and not UVA, which is linked to skin damage, aging, immune-system problems and potential skin cancer. Some of the brand-name products in this category, according to the database, include Neutrogena Sunblock Lotion (SPF 30), Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus (SPF 30), and Coppertone Sport Sunblock Lotion Trigger
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