Health Canada recalls sunscreen

Are you slathering yourself in sunscreen this summer? If so, you may want to check the brand you're using. Health Canada has recently recalled several brands of sunscreen due to possible contamination with benzene, a chemical that has been linked to cancer.

The recall affects several brands of spray sunscreen, including Banana Boat, Coppertone, and Neutrogena. The affected products were sold in Canada and the United States, and they have been linked to at least four cases of cancer in the United States.

Benzene is a known carcinogen, and it can cause leukemia and other types of cancer. It is not clear how the benzene got into the sunscreen products, but Health Canada is investigating the matter.

If you have any of the affected sunscreen products, you should stop using them immediately and return them to the store where you bought them. You can also contact the manufacturer for a refund.

The recall is a reminder that it is important to read the labels of the products you use, especially if you are using them on your skin. Benzene is a dangerous chemical, and it should not be used in sunscreen or any other product that comes into contact with your skin.

If you are concerned about the risk of cancer from sunscreen, you can take some simple steps to reduce your risk:

• Use sunscreen with a high SPF. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from the sun's harmful rays. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 will block 97% of the sun's UVB rays.
• Apply sunscreen liberally and often. You should apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, and you should reapply it every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
• Avoid sun exposure during peak hours. The sun's rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm, so it is best to avoid spending time outdoors during these hours.
• Wear protective clothing. When you are outdoors, wear clothing that covers your skin, such as a hat, long sleeves, and pants.
• Get regular skin checkups. If you have a family history of skin cancer, or if you have a lot of moles, you should get regular skin checkups to check for any changes in your skin.

By following these simple steps, you can reduce your risk of skin cancer and protect your health.