Spray-On Sunscreens Come With Hazards
There is a consumer warning about certain kinds of sunblock, specifically the spray on kind. New research shows the chemicals in the spray may be dangerous. Here’s what every parent should know:
The sun during summer days is the number one enemy when your child’s skin. But using spray on sunscreens could be doing more harm than good.
“I don’t personally use it. It seems like it doesn’t really get where it needs to and then I’m always concerned about myself inhaling it and my son. it doesn’t sem like that studies are done yet about long-term effects,” according to parent Jason Statucki.
Consumer Reports is encouraging parents to stay away from using spray sunscreen on their children under the age of 8.
“They are more at risk of getting sprayed in the eyes and inhaling it, so we really don’t recommend spray for really young children. We do recommend them for school aged children who aer in and out of swimming pools because they seem to give really good waterproof coverage,” said dermatologist Dr. Louise Stewart.
The FDA is currently investigating the potential risks of breathing in the chemicals that come out of the can. If you do happen to spray on the protection, it’s recommended that you not use it in an enclosed area.
And if you have an infant under 6 months old, there is no sunblock that is FDA approved.
“If a baby is under 6 months, they really need to be kept out of the sun. They need to be put in the shade, put on hats, under umbrellas. Even the chemically-free sunblocks are not safe for infants,” said Dr. Stewart.
