U.S. Senator Blumenthal’s Reaction to Benzene in Sunscreens
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal held a conference at Hartford Hospital to urge the FDA to use its new authorities to issue and finalize an administrative order to update sunscreen regulation in a timely manner. Blumenthal’s urgency was in response to the Citizen Petition Valisure filed on May 24, 2021, announcing detections of benzene in sunscreen products. “Tell the American public truthfully and transparently whether these sunscreen products are safe and effective and what precautions need to be taken,” said Blumenthal. “Some of the ingredients may cause allergies, bleeding, skin irritation, and even cancer.”
Following the conference, Blumenthal filed a letter to Janet Woodcock, FDA Acting Commissioner, to continue the urgency in this matter. Within the letter, Blumenthal emphasizes how the public deserves safe and effective sunscreens that reduce the risk of cancer and long-term skin damage. FDA must provide clear public guidance for these largely unregulated products and their impacts on public health.
View the full letter here.
