Concerns Over Sunscreen Chemicals in Australia

For most Australians sunscreen is a way of life but there are now serious

concerns the products designed to protect us could be putting our health

at risk. These could potentially be harmful to the human beings. The

Therapeutic Goods Administration accused of concealing information about two

chemicals known to be hormone disruptors. One of them homosalate, its

concentrations restricted in many countries. The European Union recently

capping its use to 7%. Here in Australia it's allowed at more than double that

rate up to 15%. It could lead to loss of fertility, it could cause just mood

swings and imbalance. Another chemical under scrutiny methylbenzylidene

camphor or 4 MBC. Banned in Denmark for 25 years it's also not approved in the

US or China. From July the UK will follow suit but here in Australia it's found in

more than 100 sunscreens.

including Banana Boat Kids Roll-On, Kids Spray and Baby Roll-On products.

The TGA is reviewing 4MBC but is yet to make a recommendation.

Most of the chemical sunscreens are not recommended for kids.

Joseph Mizuchowski has skin in the game. He's a zinc sunscreen producer

and filed these freedom of information requests.

In 2024, an internal email from a staff member

could we also prioritise the safety review of 4MBC.

Another document citing the chemical does not appear to be safe

due to endocrine disrupting potential.