Reverend the Hon. Dr GORDON MOYES: I address my question to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for the Central Coast, representing the Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer). Is the Minister aware that the respected United States-based Environmental Working Group recently released its annual sunscreen guide, which recommends only 39 out of 500 sunscreens that are available for purchase in the United States shops? Is the Minister aware that sunscreen claims of above 50 sun protection factor [SPF] have been proven to mislead people into staying longer in the sun, which is the main risk factor for developing skin cancers including melanoma? Is the Minister aware that new evidence about the retinyl palmitate form of vitamin A, which is found in nearly half of all sunscreens sold in Australian shops, shows that it appears to accelerate the growth of skin tumours, and so should be strictly avoided? Will the Minister indicate the type of ongoing evaluation and assessment that will ensure product safety of sunscreens?

Friday, 11th June, 2010, 9:11 am | Articles