New sun regulations for Europe
The European Union is currently establishing new regulations on sun protection creams for 2007. The Commission will issue a recommendation to ensure that the industry uses a simple, standardized and clear labeling system for sun protection products.
According to the European Union, the sun products on the market cannot guarantee total screening. 'Consumers must be informed', said EU Health commissioner Markos Kyprianou. 'There are no sun products that will give 100% protection from harmful UV rays. It must be made clear that these products are just one way of protecting against sun radiation'. The European Commission stated that exposure to the sun must be avoided during the hottest hours, that protective clothing, caps and sunglasses must be worn, and that babies and children must not be exposed to direct sunlight.
Starting from 2007, producers must comply with new regulations, and labeling must be clear and comprehensive. The packs must provide indications like those on cigarette packs: one of the phrases could be 'Children from 0 to 4 years of age must not be exposed to the sun'. But the experts have not yet agreed on the 4-year-limit as some believe that older children would in such way be at risk.
The other new development concerns the numbers associated with the phototype. Protection factors will be shown in levels: low (former protection 6-8-10), medium (15-25), high (30-50) and very high (50+). Factors 2 and 4 have been cancelled: to be described as a sun cream, it must have an index of at least 6. The previous sun protection factor (SPF) will disappear because it only considers UVB rays and not UVA rays, which are just as harmful (they cause premature skin aging, affect the immune system and are a major contribution to the increased risk of skin cancer).
The UVA protection in new creams must be at least 30% of the total and it must be shown on a new scale and with a new symbol. The packs of sun products will also be provided with instructions for use, including dosage.
Until the new labels will be shown, already this year creams will carry the special symbol of the open can beside the period after opening (PAO) symbol indicating product life.
(Source: Corriere della Sera)
