Lowey Commends FDA For New Sunscreen Standards

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) today commended the Food and Drug Administration for proposing new standards for sunscreens that will alert consumers of the protection that a product offers not just against sunburn-causing UVB rays, but also against cancer-causing UVA rays.

“I praise FDA for taking this step to protect the health of Americans,” said Lowey.  “For too long, consumers have not had access to information critical for protecting their skin and that of their children from cancer.  I hope the FDA’s new regulations will finally provide a comprehensive, user-friendly rating system that includes not only sun protection factor (SPF) from UVB rays, but a protection rating from UVA rays, to help consumers make wise choices for sun safety.”

Rep. Lowey introduced legislation that would require FDA to develop standards for sunscreen ratings based on UVA protection.  Lowey’s measure was included in the Fiscal Year 2008 Agriculture Appropriations bill, which passed the House of Representatives in July.  Her bill would also require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a public awareness campaign about the dangers of overexposure to the sun, ways to protect oneself, and proper use of sunscreen to maximize its effectiveness.

“Skin cancer is too deadly a disease for the federal government not to give citizens information that can help prevent it,” said Lowey.  “I look forward to working with FDA to ensure that this rating system is accurate, effective, and user-friendly, and that consumers are made aware of information that will now be available.”