Lifestyle

Zinc oxide in your sunscreen can turn toxic after 2 hours of exposure

A study has found that sunscreen that contains zinc oxide loses effectiveness and becomes toxic after two hours of use.

Did you know that the sunscreens you use on a daily basis could be extremely harmful? In case you didn’t, you need to know this at least now.

For, sunscreens that contain zinc oxide as an ingredient have been found to be dangerous in ways beyond one could imagine. Zinc oxide is a common presence in many sunscreens that are available in the market, and that means you need to do some research before buying your favourite brand.

It has been found by a study that sunscreen contains zinc oxide loses much of its effectiveness and becomes toxic after two hours of exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Scientists who worked in collaboration with the Oregon State University have found that sunscreens that are supposed to block ultraviolet exposure often turn the villain as the zinc oxide that turns toxic in two hours’ time could be the reason for serious illnesses.

Studies on zebrafish bring in major findings

The scientists conducted a study to ascertain this in zebrafish that have molecular, genetic and cellular similarities with humans. The results were scary.

The study published in Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences looked deeper to find answers to questions on the safety, stability and effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. They also explored how safe would be a chemical product when exposed to sunlight.

It is estimated that the global sunscreen market would be worth more than $24 billion by the end of the current decade. The use of such products is so widespread that the impact too is manifold.

Sunscreen use could result in unintended toxicity

Researchers believe that the use of some sunscreens could result in unintended toxicity when its ingredients are exposed to UV light. So, instead of preventing ailments such as skin cancer, which they claim they intend to, they might end up harmful for the user.

Though the presence of zinc oxide and its harmful effects, when exposed to sunlight, is known by the industry, they haven’t stopped selling sunscreens containing these ingredients.

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Sanjeev Ramachandran

A journalist with 23 years of experience, Sanjeev has worked with reputed media houses such as Business Standard, The Ne More »
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