Oxybenzone, which mimics oestrogen's chemical make-up, is now being found in fish and sea life. It is washed off the tanned human body, passes unchanged through sewage works and settles on the seabed, where fish eat it. The problem is, the fish are changing sex. Scientists at the University of California, Riverside, found that two-thirds of the male turbot and sole near a sewage outfall off the surfers' paradise of Huntingdon Beach were growing ovary tissue in their testes. New Swiss data is suggesting other suncare gender-bending chemicals are building up in the fish too. Octocrylene and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor are the culprits and researchers are concerned what will happen to users with repeated exposure to these toxins.

One chemical used in sun lotions to filter out ultraviolet light may be hazardous to health. The chemical's toxicity doubled when exposed to sunlight. Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), which is present in 90 percent of sunscreen brands, was found to kill mouse cells even at low doses in a study by Norwegian scientists. When researchers shone a lamp for two hours to simulate midday sunshine, even more cells died.

A study in the 2004 Journal of Chromatherapy found that there is significant penetration of all sunscreen agents they studied into the skin. So, it's a fair to assume that when you use sunscreen your body is absorbing synthetic chemicals whether you like it or not.

Titanium dioxide is another worry. It is a fine white powder that reflects and scatters ultraviolet light. The compound's full effects on human health are still under investigation. The U.S. government's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) labels the chemical "a potential occupational carcinogen." It is also used in self-cleaning windows because it reacts with light to break down organic matter such as dirt. The concern is that it similarly breaks down human DNA.

Helpful Tips for Sunburn Relief
With these issues in mind, there are simple precautions to be aware of:

Just be wise in the sun. Coconut oil is great but not exactly sunscreen. Aloe vera helps with any burning, si if you get burnt, get some. The fresh leaves are best. Even used teabags help with sunburn. Just dab it on affected areas and let the tannins do their work. It works best around the eyes. Proper after sun lotion and the correct sunscreen are worth investing in. Look out for these chemicals when using suncare products. Sunbrero from Neways is a factor 40 sunscreen with none of the above mentioned chemicals. Rebound after sun lotion is also very soothing with natural plant extracts.

Free radical damage to cells is normal when exposed to UV rays. Therefore, antioxidants are essential in the diet. Red peppers, oranges, green veg, lemons, grapefruit, broccoli, carrots and the like are all abundant in antioxidants, but supplementation is advisable. Coconut oil, hemp oil and the omega fats will help soothe and lubricate and aloe vera has a cooling and healing effect on sun stroked skin.

Ignorance of these facts are no longer adequate. Alonside the intolerable chemical exposure we have to put up with thanks to the cost-cutting of the 'big name' product manufacturers, these sunscreens need to be added to the list. There are ALWAYS safe alternative to what the supermarkets and chemists are selling. Look on the net, check out health food stores and have a look at www.newhuman.co.uk/suncare.html

Hugh Newman