Friday, June 30, 2017

Swimming in a chlorinated pool can turn sunscreen ‘toxic’

TROUBLED WATERS

Swimming in a chlorinated pool can turn sunscreen ‘toxic’ – increasing risk of cancer, scientists warn

The combination of chlorinated water and UV rays can reduce a compound in sun-block into toxic chemicals linked to infertility, immune system damage and even cancer.


GOING for a swim while smothered in sunscreen puts your health at risk, say researchers.

Chlorinated water and UV rays from the sun break down a compound in the creams into toxic chemicals.


Two of those chemicals have been linked to infertility, immune system damage and even cancer.

Researcher Dr Albert Lebedev said: “A generally safe compound transforms in the water and forms more dangerous products.”

The study focused on avobenzone, the most popular sun-blocker in the world.

It is used in lipsticks, creams, moisturisers and other cosmetics  because of its ability to absorb damaging UV rays.

But the Russian researchers found  it breaks down in chlorinated water.

Two of the chemicals produced — acetyl benzenes and phenols — are  particularly toxic.

The  reaction  usually happened on the swimmers’ wet skin, the researchers  noted.

They also fear there is a further risk if  the water contains copper salts,  put in pools to make them look blue.

Sunscreen can then break down into a substance linked to liver and kidney problems and nervous system disorders.


https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/3906262/swimming-in-a-chlorinated-pool-can-turn-sun-cream-toxic-increasing-risk-of-cancer-scientists-warn/



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