Introduction
Skin cancer is mostly brought on by unprotected exposure to sun radiation. It is thought that skin damage from sun radiation causes between 80 and 90 percent of skin malignancies. Skin cancer is the most prevalent form, and melanoma is the most dangerous.
In the case of melanoma, in particular, it can also be fatal if not caught early. In light of climate change, which is thought to be a factor in the rise in skin cancer cases globally due to ozone depletion and higher temperatures, skin cancer is also becoming an increasing issue.
Sunscreen has been proven to be an efficient way to prevent skin cancer growth and sun radiation-induced skin damage. while conventional sun protection measures, such as clothes or shade, are impractical, as is the case while engaging in outdoor activities or employment requiring sun exposure, sunscreen is especially advantageous. In addition to other sun safety measures, sunscreen has a major positive impact on public health.
What Is Benzene?
At room temperature, benzene is a combustible, colorless organic chemical substance. The main application for benzene is as a raw material for producing several other chemicals and substances, such as those required to create plastics, resins, nylon and synthetic fibers, lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, medicines, and insecticides.
In the past, benzene was also employed as an industrial solvent. However, its use has been waning. Because it is a naturally occurring substance in crude oil, benzene may be detected in the exhaust of petrol and diesel engines.
The incomplete combustion of organic molecules can also produce benzene, a trace component of cigarette smoke, gas furnace emissions, and smoke from wood fires.
Why Is Sunscreen So Important?
An individual may drastically minimize exposure to these harmful rays that might cause skin cancer by using sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor). UVB (ultraviolet B) rays, which are a significant factor in the development of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, as well as a primary cause of sunburn, are shielded from by sunscreen. All varieties of skin cancer, including the most deadly kind, melanoma, are more likely to develop when exposed to the sun.
What Are the Health Effects of Benzene Exposure?
Human carcinogen benzene is well-known. It has been linked to multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia. It can also cause acute non-lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.
Much research on benzene exposure's health impacts has been conducted in occupational groups, including those in manufacturing, those involved in the transportation and dispensing of petrol and crude oil products, and employees exposed to vehicle exhaust, such as drivers and maintenance personnel.
What Kind of Sunscreen Should One Wear Every Day?
Dermatologists advise applying at least SPF 30, which prevents 97 percent of UVB radiation from the sun. No sunscreen can completely prevent all of the sun's UVB rays, but higher SPFs block a little more. It is important to stress that using a product does not guarantee that it will last longer because it has a higher SPF. Still, to ensure the individual gets enough protection, reapply the sunscreen every couple of hours.
There are several things to consider when looking for an effective sunscreen for everyday usage. A mineral sunscreen with just two active ingredients, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide, will be the best choice for daily usage. Furthermore, it must be broad spectrum, meaning it must shield users from UVA and UVB radiation. Last, the finest body sunscreen for daily use should be formulated with mild components that would not irritate or clog pores. It needs to be non-irritating to the skin and secure for daily application.
By selecting a sunscreen with these features, the individual can be sure that their face is appropriately shielded from the sun daily. Daily use of sunscreen lowers the risk of sunburn, skin cancer, inflammation, and skin discoloration while also delaying the onset of early indications of aging. So make sure to use sunscreen daily if they want healthy skin that may make them seem younger.
Why Is Benzene in Some Sunscreen Products?
Sunscreen does not often contain benzene as a component. Due to its known toxicity, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against using benzene in the production of pharmaceuticals (including sunscreen) unless it is necessary for a product that represents a "significant therapeutic advance". If that is the case, benzene may be found in the product in amounts up to two parts per million (ppm).
Benzene may be used to produce hydrocarbons, which are used to make inactive components like carbomers (used as a thickening agent) and isobutene (used as a spray propellant). High quantities (more than 2 ppm) of benzene were most commonly discovered in chemical spray formulations of sunscreen and after-sun products.
Conclusion
Health experts are concerned that sunscreens with benzene contamination run the potential of unintended long-term absorption. Benzene is a volatile chemical molecule that can have an instant negative impact on health and affect cancer risk. There is a 2 parts per million (ppm) benzene limit for sunscreen imposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Accordingly, there should not be more than 2 micrograms of benzene per gram of sunscreen.
However, the amount of benzene discovered in certain sunscreens has been proven to be significantly greater than this limit. Benzene might have more of an impact on certain persons than others. Compared to adults, children and young adults have a higher risk of developing cancer from benzene exposure. It has been suggested that mineral sunscreen with just two active ingredients, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide, will be the best choice for daily usage.
