I was just forwarded an interesting article about the perils of using sunscreen by Danny Gottlieb. Please read.

Hi all,

Here's some more wise advice from a renowned expert on Cancer PREVENTION...Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. as related to probability of our SUN causing CANCER in/on humans.  Read details in attached file.

Think TWICE when seeking skin protection from SUN, and read ingredient labels if purchasing Sunscreen, or before using someone else container of Sunscreen!

Danny G.

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
To: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Subject: The New York Times Ignores Information on Dangers of Sunscreens
Date: Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:42:05 -0400
From: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE NEW YORK TIMES IGNORES INFORMATION ON DANGERS OF SUNSCREENS CHICAGO, IL, June 28, 2007 --/WORLD-WIRE/-- On June 19, the New York Times published an article "Saving Young Skin From the Sun’s Perils," by its regular columnist Jane Brody. Brody warned that sunscreen “is a must for everyone starting at age six months ... and should be reapplied every two hours,” especially for children. However, Brody is unaware of the dangers of sunscreens. Six ingredients are commonly used in sunscreens, at concentrations of up to 10%, in order to reduce risks of sunburn from exposure to short wave ultraviolet (UVB) solar radiation. It should, however, be emphasized that these ingredients fail to block the more dangerous long wave (UVA) radiation. A series of recent studies have raised serious concerns on the dangers of sunscreens. Contrary to reassurances on safety, based on label claims for a high Skin Protection Factor (SPF), most light skinned people use sunscreens to protect against sunburn due to UVB radiation. However, this common practice, particularly in children, results in high levels of cumulative exposure to the more dangerous UVA radiation. This penetrates into the deep layers of the skin without any warning of sunburn, breaks down the protein and collagen which keep the skin firm and plump, and is responsible for the classic signs of skin aging, including wrinkling and discoloration. More seriously, UVA radiation is well recognized as the major cause of malignant melanoma. This is now the fastest rising cancer in the world whose incidence in the U.S. over recent decades has increased dramatically by about 130%, and whose mortality has increased by about 25%. Of additional concern are the hormonal effects of sunscreens. Their ingredients belong to a family of hormone-damaging chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors. These stimulate uterine growth of infant rats following painting their skin with concentrations similar to those in sunscreens. Furthermore, there is well-documented evidence that sunscreen ingredients accumulate in the human body as evidenced by their detection in breast milk. These dangers of sunscreens can be readily avoided by the use of conventional zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide sunblocks. These are highly effective against the dangerous UVA radiation. Their only disadvantage is that they whiten skin, depending on the amount used and frequency of application. Finally, my June 21 letter to the New York Times warning of the dangers of sunscreens and the safety of sunblocks remains unpublished. CONTACT: Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. Chairman, Cancer Prevention Coalition Professor emeritus Environmental & Occupational Medicine University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health Chicago, Illinois This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it www.preventcancer.com

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Dear Editor,

            I have no idea what the current city council thinks it was elected to do.  Tuesday night, they approved three more things that should make us believe they are not fit to serve our city.  First, they raised water rates for the fourth time in three years, as a consent item.  They have either no courage to tell us that fact, or see no necessity to be forthright.

            Second, they gave a bunch of city employees pay raises as high as 7.5%.  On the heels of being ranked as the worst metropolitan community to live in, they give managers and charter officers, the very people responsible for failure, huge raises.  One wonders what their rationale could possibly be.

            Third, staff told council that the fiscal impact to the taxpayer is unknown, because they had not bothered to do the math on benefit and pension contribution costs.  Thus, the council blithely and irresponsibly gave pay raises to failed managers, in total ignorance of the cost to you and me.

            If you ever needed clear evidence that these seven people should never be allowed to touch the public’s checkbook, Tuesday night established that fact.  I pray furiously that honest, educated, literate citizens will run to unseat those who run for re-election. 

            Thank you, Dave Thomas, Modesto

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