PROVIDENCE, RI - In an effort to help Americans better protect themselves from the sun's harmful rays, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is championing legislation requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to strengthen labeling and testing standards for sunscreen products.

Currently, the FDA only requires sunscreen testing and labeling for sun protection factors (SPF), which mostly measures UVB rays, known for causing sunburns. Despite working on it for over 30 years, the FDA does not have standards that apply to UVA protection, which are a major cause of skin cancer and premature aging. Under the current system, manufactures may make unproven claims that their products are "waterproof," "sweatproof," and offer "all day protection." They also have increasingly high SPF numbers, leaving consumers confused and/or with the false impression that they are getting total protection from the sun.

Senators Reed and Chris Dodd (D-CT) are calling for the FDA to require manufacturers to test sunscreen products against dangerous UVB and UVA rays, and implement a standardized labeling system that would inform consumers of the protection a product would offer against those rays. They recently introduced the Sunscreen Labeling Protection (or SUN) Act, which would give the FDA 180 days to finalize and implement its proposed rule and give Americans the information they need to protect themselves and their children from the sun's harmful rays.

"Most Americans probably assume that their sunscreen protects them from the harmful rays that cause skin cancer. But unfortunately, with many products, that isn't the case. While the FDA delays, the American people are literally getting burned," said Reed, a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. "The FDA needs stronger labeling regulations so parents know the products they are buying will protect them and their kids from both UVA and UVB rays."

"Dermatologists often remind patients that the "B" in UVB is for burning and the "A" is for aging and can do severe long-term damage. Both types of ultra violet rays significantly increase the risk of sun-related cancer and premature breakdown of the skin," said Dr. Pat Sullivan, a faculty member at Brown University's School of Medicine with over 22 years of experience in treating patients with sun-related problems. "Senator Reed's bill will help make it easier for consumers to know they are getting proper sunscreen protection and it will help more parents ensure they are protecting their children."

"It is important for people to use sunscreen consistently and appropriately to reduce their risk of skin cancer. Preventing excessive exposure to both UVB and UVA rays is important. The labels on these products should be simple, standard, informative, and user-friendly so consumers will know they are getting sufficient protection," said Dr. Martin A. Weinstock, MD, PhD, professor of dermatology and community health at Brown Medical School and the Chief of Dermatology at the Providence VA Medical Center.

For years, Senator Reed has been pushing for the FDA to implement stronger regulations that will give consumers a better idea of the sun protection they're getting. Under new proposed regulations, a UVA star rating system (with 1 star being the lowest and 4 stars being the highest) will be displayed on sunscreen labels, near the SPF rating. However, the FDA has been dragging its feet on this issue and the Dodd-Reed bill will help ensure the regulations are soon strengthened, finalized, and put into place.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), six of the ten states with the highest rates of new melanoma cases are in New England: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont (the other four are: Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Washington).

Since 1973, new cases of melanoma have increased by approximately 150 percent and the number of skin cancer cases in the U.S. this year is estimated to be more than 1 million. It is also estimated that one in five American children will develop skin cancer in the course of their lifetime.

Fortunately, skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer and frequently applying sunscreen can help reduce risk. However, fewer than 33 percent of adults, adolescents, and children routinely use sun protection.

Dermatologists recommend using sunscreens consistently and appropriately, and with an SPF of at least 30 and UVA-fighting ingredients like an avobenzone that doesn't degrade in light or Mexoryl SX.

Reed and Dodd championed language in a past appropriations bill requiring the FDA to issue final standards for sunscreen labeling on UVA and UVB. They sent letters in May 2007 and February 2008 to the Commissioner of the FDA expressing their concern about the agency's standards for sunscreen labeling and urging the FDA to act quickly to finalize new labeling. The FDA eventually complied with the senators' request and proposed a new sunscreen labeling rule, but has failed to finalize and implement the proposed improvements for almost two years.