Luna Targets Toxic Sunscreen Ahead of Summer Season

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has filed the bipartisan No Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics Act to ban the use of sunscreens and similar cosmetic products using Parabens.

Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo (D-MD) coauthored the bill, which comes as millions of Americans prepare to enter the summer season.

Parabens are chemicals used as artificial preservatives in sundry cosmetic and body care products.

The proposed bill would ban the use of Parabens in such products.

According to the bill’s sponsors, human exposure to Parabens can disrupt hormones, harm fertility, damage reproductive organs, impact birth outcomes, and increase the risk of cancer.

Representative Luna cited the absence of regulations as permitting for the proliferation of Parabens and subsequent noxious health consequences.

”Cosmetics and personal care products containing chemicals that are dangerous to our health are marketed and sold to millions of Americans with little to zero regulation,” said Luna. “I urge members from both sides to support my bill enacting a simple ban on parabens. Our women and families deserve better.”

According to the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), Parabens are especially pernicious for women as they increase the likelihood of breast cancer.

Parabens, says BCPP, affect the mechanisms of normal breast cells and potentially influence their abnormal growth, leading to increased risk for breast cancer.

BCPP reports that  over 90 percent of people in the United States currently have parabens in their bodies.

The European Union and several Asian countries have banned Parabens use. California similarly recently banned Parabens use.

The codification of Luna’s legislation would force a significant shift in the cosmetics sector, as Parabens are used in roughly 85% of all cosmetics products.