Friends of the Earth (FoE) today launched a report entitled Nanotechnology & Sunscreens; the report is the result of an FoE survey of sunscreens. According to the report, ‘Friends of the Earth asked more than 120 sunscreen manufacturers to describe their companies’ policies regarding nanotechnology and whether their products contain nanoparticles.’

The results are listed in the report’s appendix:

• 9 manufacturers said they were selling products that are nanoparticle free,
• 9 sunscreens claimed that contained nanoparticles,
• 15 sunscreens were alleged by ‘others’ to contain nanoparticles, and
• 95 brands have policies and ingredients that were unclear or chose to not respond to the survey.

The report concludes with a list of ‘non-chemical alternatives to staying safe in the sun, which include:

• staying in the shade, especially between the sun’s peak hours (10 a.m.- 4 p.m.),
• covering up with clothing, a brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses,
• avoiding tanning and UV tanning booths,
• examining your skin head to toe every month, and
• seeing your physician every year for a professional skin exam.’

Follow this link to read the FoE press release on the report, or to download the complete report.