| Sherry 2006-07-24, 4:27 pm |
| "WASHINGTON - A sunscreen that blocks the type of ultraviolet radiation
linked to some cancers, and which has been available only outside the United
States, received federal approval Monday. Called Anthelios SX, the sunscreen
contains ecamsule, an ingredient better at blocking ultraviolet A, or UVA,
radiation than other sunscreen ingredients currently sold in the United
States. Those ingredients mainly screen out UVB rays.
UVB has long been associated with sunburn, while UVA is recognized as a
deeper penetrating radiation, according to the
Food and Drug Administration. Doctors suspect there is a link between UVA
exposure and longer-term effects, including wrinkles, basal and squamous
cell cancers and melanoma.
Anthelios is made by the French cosmetics company L'Oreal SA. It has a sun
protection factor or SPF of 15.
The sunscreen contains three active ingredients, including ecamsule or
Mexoryl SX. Mexoryl has been included in the company's sunscreens sold in
Canada and Europe since 1993.
LaRoche-Posay will distribute the product, the FDA said"
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