Study Finds a Link between Sunscreen Ingredient and Endometriosis
Posted by on July 20, 2012 - 10:59am

A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology tied a group of chemicals called benzophenones to an increased risk of endometriosis.  The study measured the amount of benzophenones in the urine of 600 women who were tested for endometriosis.  One particular benzophenone, benzophenone-1, showed a significant association with the condition.  Compared to women with low levels, women who had the highest concentration of this chemical in their urine showed a 65% greater chance of having the condition.  In a separate study, the CDC found benzophenones in the urine of 97% of people tested.  With one in ten women having endometriosis, benzophenone-1 may be the cause.

Benzophenones protect against UV light.  In small quantities, like nail polish, it stabilizes compounds that are stored in clear containers.  When used in a higher concentration, such as on the skin, it becomes a good sunscreen.  Benzophenone-1 in particular can be produced from oxybenzone (or benzophenone-3), a chemical penetration enhancer found in sunscreen, when the body breaks it down.

Interestingly, the CDC also linked benzophenone-3 to many other health issues such as allergies, hormone disruption, cell damage and low birth weight in female babies.  Among sunscreen, the chemical can also be found in facial cleansers/treatments, lip balm, lipstick, anti-aging creams, conditioners and perfume.

Endometriosis, a gynecological condition, occurs when tissue from the uterus grows outside of the uterus instead of inside it.  The tissue can start to grow in other places such as into the abdomen, outside the ovaries and around the fallopian tubes.  It thickens and sheds simultaneously with the tissue inside of the uterus during the menstrual cycle.  The condition causes pain, irregular bleeding, scarring and can cause infertility.

The group of chemicals mimics estrogen, and while researchers cannot definitively pinpoint the cause of the condition, they do know that estrogen enhances the condition.  Treatment usually involves medications to lower the amount of estrogen in the body.

The Personal Care Products Council, which represents cosmetics manufacturers, said that the study was weak and unconvincing and should not be a deterrent from sunscreen or safe-sun practices.  The group says the study did not ask participants if (or how much) sunscreen they wore, therefore they couldn’t attribute the results directly to sunscreen.

Conversely, women in California had higher concentrations of the chemical when tested during the summer, suggesting that sunscreen is the culprit, according to Sonya Lunder, MPH of the Environmental Working Group.  The CDC found similar results in light-skinned women who were tested, further confirming Lunder’s theory.

Many of the findings seem conflicting. The best advice may be to find a sunscreen without the chemical, such as one that is mineral-based, containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.  These varieties block the sun naturally, so you can protect yourself against both the condition and the harmful UV rays.

 

Sunscreens without Oxybenzone:

Natural Sun SPF 30 Sunscreen for Active Lifestyles

Oat Protein Sunscreen SPF 30 by Kiss My Face

SPF 30 Sunscreen by Vanicream

 

Read more about the topic here or here.

 

H1N1 and pregnancy: what you should know
Posted by on September 17, 2009 - 10:08pm

The H1N1 flu, better known by its alias "swine flu," is still wreaking havoc around the world.  Everyone is understandably concerned.  Every time I am on the phone with my parents and let out something with the slightest resemblance to a cough, they command me to go see a doctor immediately and have the H1N1 test administered.   The most recent report released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that flu activity has begun increasing again.  If you look at their actual data, however, it is a little comforting to see that the number of H1N1-positive tests has dropped in recent weeks as compared to a couple of months ago.  The fact remains that about 20% of the 5,000+ tests conducted just this week came back positive for the flu - and about 65% of those were specifically categorized as H1N1 flu.  Yikes.

Even more staggering are the statistics for pregnant women.  Women naturally have weakened immune systems during pregnancy, but the H1N1 flu appears to hit even harder than usual.  The CDC has stated that "6% of confirmed fatal 2009 H1N1 flu cases thus far have been in pregnant women while only about 1% of the general population is pregnant."  (You can read a summary of this study by CDC officials published in The Lancet, one of the leading medical journals in the world.)   History also tells us that with flu pandemics come increased numbers of spontaneous abortions and premature births.  But have no fear! The H1N1 vaccine will be distributed very soon and pregnant women are atop the priority list.  Even better, it has been reported that just one shot seems to be protective, so the current vaccine production could potentially immunize twice as many people.

It was also reported this week that the U.S. and a cohort of other nations are planning to donate a portion of their vaccine supplies for the World Health Organization (WHO) to administer in poorer countries around the world.  There will undoubtedly be grumbling by some who do not want to share, but I applaud this decision.  Why shouldn't expectant mothers in other lands receive the same protection as expectant mothers here in the U.S., to be given the best possible chance to have a healthy child, and to be alive to see them grow?  I think we should be contributing as much as we can to the global control of this illness (and countless others!).  What is your opinion on this issue?

For more information from the CDC:

  • A CDC website dedicated to all things H1N1 flu
  • The CDC's Q&A page specifically for pregnant women worried about H1N1 flu