Fun in the sun! Tips from readers.
Hate to be a buzz kill but you might want to keep these facts in mind while you are partying in the sun.
Thanks to some ScienceCheerleader subscribers, we are now armed with important, scientifically based tips on how we can more safely damage our skin and kill off brain cells.
From Cindy: 4 out of 5 sunscreens contain chemicals that may pose health hazards or don’t adequately protect skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Which work the best? Check here.
From Jacquie: The Science of Drinking? The New York Times reports that diet soda used as a mixer hastens the absorption (time and amount) of alcohol. Watch those summer Rum and (diet) Cokes!
Plus a recent shows an increase in alcohol poisoning deaths among college kids. Some deaths may be linked to marijuana use—which retards nausea so one can attain higher, potentially fatal blood alcohol levels.
While we’re on the topic, if you know a college-kid turning 21 this year, share this news: ”Of the college-age deaths that made news, 11 people, including eight college students, died while celebrating their 21st birthdays”….a growing trend of drinking 21 shots on a 21st birthday is proving lethal.
Thanks for the comments, ladies. Keep them coming.
Tags: Sunblock
July 21st, 2008 at 10:00 am
First, a grumpy comment. Everything in the material universe is made from atoms which means it is made from chemicals. Anything that is not chemical is spiritual and should not be discussed on a science blog.
On sunblock–titanium dioxide is the compound that stops UV rays. It works by acting as a UV antenna, reflecting back the UV raqys that strike it. It works exactly the same in house paint, fine paper, plastic shopping bags and non-fat coffee creamer. Titanium dioxide with a particle length of .25 microns reflects light, at .12 microns it reflects UV. The compound itself is so stable that it can soak in battery acid for 100 years and won’t react. Eat it, wear it, paint your house with it. It is completely unreactive.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:11 am
Thanks, Neil! All comments are welcome (even grumpy ones)! This is very helpful information. Never new that. Are you saying that the titanium dioxide is not harmful? Is there a different ingredient in sunblock that is harmful? Wondering why there are warnings about the “harmfulness” of sunblock. Thanks, Neil!
July 21st, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I did read something about titanium dioxide (TiO2) dust being a hazard, but I am not sure how that relates to something on your skin. TiO2 is an extremely stable compound so if it gets in you (it colors most diet foods that are white) it goes right through you without reacting. Each of us is churning through millions of chemical reactions per day to eat, breathe, walk, see and think.
So rather than think about canned chili, sun block, headache pills or orange juice, I buy brand names of everything and stay out of Wal-Mart. I want to be able to trust the process by which the things that go into me and my family are made, as well the product itself.
I can’t see what would be wrong with TiO2 sunblock, but I am betting if there is something wrong, it is in the cheap stuff.