Standardisation of sun cream labels planned
Moves to standardise
the labelling of sun-protection products throughout Europe have been started by the European Commission.
The commission intends to issue recommendations that manufacturers will
adopt from next year. In particular, it wants to stop use of terms, such
as “sunblocker”, which imply total protection from ultraviolet
radiation and claims that products can fully protect babies and young
children, and to bring in a standardised way of indicating UVA protection.
The commission says that current indications of sun-protection factor
only apply to UVB radiation, which causes sunburn, but not to UVA radiation,
which is an important contributor to the total risk of developing skin
cancer and to skin ageing.
EC vice-president Günter Verheugen said: “The current situation
is untenable. The best way forward is a recommendation to which industry
commits to label sunscreen products properly. This will give consumers
clear and coherent information without creating unnecessary red-tape
for industry.”
Until the new system is in place, the commission wants people to choose
products that protect against both UVA and UVB radiation and to continue
taking additional sun protection measures, including avoiding excessive
exposure when the sun is at its peak and wearing protective clothes,
hats and sunglasses. In addition, it says that babies and young children
should not be exposed to direct sunlight at all. |
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