Some sunscreens are said to react with chlorinated water and ultraviolet radiation to give off toxic chemicals. Philip Cheung / The National
Some sunscreens are said to react with chlorinated water and ultraviolet radiation to give off toxic chemicals. Philip Cheung / The National
Some sunscreens are said to react with chlorinated water and ultraviolet radiation to give off toxic chemicals. Philip Cheung / The National
Some sunscreens are said to react with chlorinated water and ultraviolet radiation to give off toxic chemicals. Philip Cheung / The National

‘Toxic’ sunscreen warning after study finds chemical reaction with chlorine in pools


Nick Webster
  • English
  • Arabic

Parents could be unknowingly applying “toxic” sunscreen to children playing in swimming pools after research discovered a harmful chemical reaction between popular UV filters and chlorine.

Scientists from the Faculty of Chemistry of the Lomonosov Moscow State University found some sunscreens react with chlorinated water and ultraviolet radiation to give off toxic chemicals.

Doctors are advising young children are covered up when outdoors in the sun, rather than use potentially harmful products containing avobenzone – a common sunblocker used in many sunscreen products.

“We know for certain that sun exposure is linked to skin cancers and that sunscreens can help reduce the risks,” said Dr Hinah Altaf, a dermatologist at Canadian Specialist Hospital, Dubai.

“A study indicating production of harmful compounds when avobenzone comes in contact with chlorinated water should not be ignored.

“We need to be watchful and use alternatives to avobenzone as sunscreen while swimming - but there is no evidence that we need to avoid sunscreens altogether.”

In tests, avobenzone was found to provoke dysfunction of the liver and kidneys, along with nervous system disorders when mixed with chlorinated water.

Avobenzone is the most popular ultraviolet light filter in the world. Its ability to absorb harmful UV rays has seen it widely used in other cosmetics like face creams and lipsticks.

However, doctors have urged caution over the research, claiming that a randomised controlled trial is the gold standard on which clinical advice should be offered and this was not part of the study.

Medical professionals have also said people should take other precautions to avoid sunburn, as the cancer risk outweighs the potential for toxic sunscreens.

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Although safe, Russian scientists proved that in water solution, avobenzone is capable of breaking down into hazardous chemical compounds.

Their experiments simulated a real situation where sunscreen is applied to the skin of swimmers, and concluded that the breakdown of avobenzone may take place on wet human skin.

The chemists found avobenzone breaks down in the water, forming organic compounds belonging to the classes of aromatic acids more commonly found in toxic products such as tear gas.

One of the project’s authors, Albert Lebedev, said more research into how popular cosmetics transform with other chemicals is important to offer up-to-date consumer advice.

Researchers also found a reaction with water and copper salts, which are often added to pools to produce a blue tint. The reaction formed bromoform, known to damage the liver and kidneys.

Dr Altaf advised against the use of some sunscreens, and particular care with those offering day-long protection.

“Once-a-day sunscreens should not be promoted,” she added. “They provide a false sense of protection, especially during extended sun exposure, sweating and swimming.

“The minimum sunscreen that offers about 93 per cent protection from UVB is SPF 15.

“Children are more sensitive to the harmful effects of sun so sun protection measures should be incorporated in the routine early in life so that it becomes a habit.”

In a report on sunscreen delivered by US researchers at the Environmental Working Group, it was noted a form of vitamin A added to sun protection creams to help prevent ageing could actually speed up the development of some cancers.

The EWG said sunscreens containing retinyl palmitate could hasten the development of skin lesions and tumours if applied in direct sunlight, following experiments conducted on hairless mice exposed to UV light every day for a year.

Dr Bana Haithum Lufty, a GP at the dermatology department at Al Sarq Hospital, Fujairah, encouraged people to look at a sunscreen’s ingredients before applying it to skin.

“Two of the chemicals produced in this research — acetyl benzenes and phenols — are particularly toxic,” she said.

“Simply staying in the shade is one of the best ways to limit your UV exposure.

“We generally recommend sunscreen is reapplied liberally every couple of hours to ensure exposed patches are protected.”

Parents are advised to keep children aged under six months out of direct strong sunlight, and to cover up with suitable clothing as their skin is more sensitive than adults.

Families should also avoid the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm and cover children in a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30.

“Parents should take extra care to protect babies and children,” Dr Lufty added.

“Their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin, and damage caused by repeated exposure to sunlight could lead to skin cancer developing in later life.”

Findings from the Environmental Working Group’s 2017 sunscreen report:

Forty-six products marketed to children earn an EWG sunscreen rating of 7 to 10, which are the lowest scores for products in the EWG Sunscreen Guide, as 1 is the best.

Twelve of these sunscreens for kids and babies contain oxybenzone, which can act like estrogen in the body, retinyl palmitate and SPFs above 50+, which tackle UVB but not UBA rays.

Five were aerosol sprays that don’t provide a thick, even coating on skin and that can expose sensitive young lungs to potentially hazardous chemicals.

Two products score 10 because, in addition to other formulation concerns, the labeled SPF is very different than EWG’s estimated value.

Full details of the report can be found at ewg.org.

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BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Friday (UAE kick-off times)

Borussia Dortmund v Paderborn (11.30pm)

Saturday 

Bayer Leverkusen v SC Freiburg (6.30pm)

Werder Bremen v Schalke (6.30pm)

Union Berlin v Borussia Monchengladbach (6.30pm)

Eintracht Frankfurt v Wolfsburg (6.30pm)

Fortuna Dusseldof v  Bayern Munich (6.30pm)

RB Leipzig v Cologne (9.30pm)

Sunday

Augsburg v Hertha Berlin (6.30pm)

Hoffenheim v Mainz (9pm)

 

 

 

 

 

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Top 5 concerns globally:

1. Unemployment

2. Spread of infectious diseases

3. Fiscal crises

4. Cyber attacks

5. Profound social instability

Top 5 concerns in the Mena region

1. Energy price shock

2. Fiscal crises

3. Spread of infectious diseases

4. Unmanageable inflation

5. Cyber attacks

Source: World Economic Foundation

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Based: Dubai, UAE

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Indoor cricket in a nutshell

Indoor Cricket World Cup – Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side

8 There are eight players per team

There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.

5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls

Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership

Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.

Zones

A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs

B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run

Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs

Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full

The specs: 2018 BMW R nineT Scrambler

Price, base / as tested Dh57,000

Engine 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke engine

Transmission Six-speed gearbox

Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm

Torque 116Nm @ 6,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined 5.3L / 100km

ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Schedule:

Pakistan v Sri Lanka:
28 Sep-2 Oct, 1st Test, Abu Dhabi
6-10 Oct, 2nd Test (day-night), Dubai
13 Oct, 1st ODI, Dubai
16 Oct, 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi
18 Oct, 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi
20 Oct, 4th ODI, Sharjah
23 Oct, 5th ODI, Sharjah
26 Oct, 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi
27 Oct, 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi
29 Oct, 3rd T20I, Lahore

You may remember …

Robbie Keane (Atletico de Kolkata) The Irish striker is, along with his former Spurs teammate Dimitar Berbatov, the headline figure in this season’s ISL, having joined defending champions ATK. His grand entrance after arrival from Major League Soccer in the US will be delayed by three games, though, due to a knee injury.

Dimitar Berbatov (Kerala Blasters) Word has it that Rene Meulensteen, the Kerala manager, plans to deploy his Bulgarian star in central midfield. The idea of Berbatov as an all-action, box-to-box midfielder, might jar with Spurs and Manchester United supporters, who more likely recall an always-languid, often-lazy striker.

Wes Brown (Kerala Blasters) Revived his playing career last season to help out at Blackburn Rovers, where he was also a coach. Since then, the 23-cap England centre back, who is now 38, has been reunited with the former Manchester United assistant coach Meulensteen, after signing for Kerala.

Andre Bikey (Jamshedpur) The Cameroonian defender is onto the 17th club of a career has taken him to Spain, Portugal, Russia, the UK, Greece, and now India. He is still only 32, so there is plenty of time to add to that tally, too. Scored goals against Liverpool and Chelsea during his time with Reading in England.

Emiliano Alfaro (Pune City) The Uruguayan striker has played for Liverpool – the Montevideo one, rather than the better-known side in England – and Lazio in Italy. He was prolific for a season at Al Wasl in the Arabian Gulf League in 2012/13. He returned for one season with Fujairah, whom he left to join Pune.

ASHES FIXTURES

1st Test: Brisbane, Nov 23-27 
2nd Test: Adelaide, Dec 2-6
3rd Test: Perth, Dec 14-18
4th Test: Melbourne, Dec 26-30
5th Test: Sydney, Jan 4-8

DUBAI SEVENS 2018 DRAW

Gulf Men’s League
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Sports City Eagles
Pool B – Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers

Gulf Men’s Open
Pool A – Bahrain Firbolgs, Arabian Knights, Yalla Rugby, Muscat
Pool B – Amman Citadel, APB Dubai Sharks, Jebel Ali Dragons 2, Saudi Rugby
Pool C – Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2, Roberts Construction, Dubai Exiles 2
Pool D – Dubai Tigers, UAE Shaheen, Sharjah Wanderers, Amman Citadel 2

Gulf U19 Boys
Pool A – Deira International School, Dubai Hurricanes, British School Al Khubairat, Jumeirah English Speaking School B
Pool B – Dubai English Speaking College 2, Jumeirah College, Dubai College A, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2
Pool C – Bahrain Colts, Al Yasmina School, DESC, DC B
Pool D – Al Ain Amblers, Repton Royals, Dubai Exiles, Gems World Academy Dubai
Pool E – JESS A, Abu Dhabi Sharks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 1, EC

Gulf Women
Pool A – Kuwait Scorpions, Black Ruggers, Dubai Sports City Eagles, Dubai Hurricanes 2
Pool B – Emirates Firebirds, Sharjah Wanderers, RAK Rides, Beirut Aconites
Pool C – Dubai Hurricanes, Emirates Firebirds 2, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Transforma Panthers
Pool D – AUC Wolves, Dubai Hawks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers

Gulf U19 Girls
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, BSAK, DESC, Al Maha
Pool B – Arabian Knights, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Abu Dhabi Harlequins

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

NBA FINALS SO FAR

(Toronto lead 3-2 in best-of-seven series)

Game 1 Raptors 118 Warriors 109

Game 2 Raptors 104 Warriors 109

Game 3 Warriors 109 Raptors 123

Game 4 Warriors 92 Raptors 105

Game 5 Raptors 105 Warriors 106

Game 6 Thursday, at Oakland

Game 7 Sunday, at Toronto (if needed)

Company%20Profile
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THURSDAY'S FIXTURES

4pm Maratha Arabians v Northern Warriors

6.15pm Deccan Gladiators v Pune Devils

8.30pm Delhi Bulls v Bangla Tigers

AUSTRALIA SQUAD

Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Jackson Bird, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc.

Scoreline

Swansea 2

Grimes 20' (pen), Celina, 29'

Man City 3

Silva 69', Nordfeldt 78' (og), Aguero 88'

Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets