Sunscreen: 21st Century Snake Oil

By Jon Herring

ETR reader SR in New York recently wrote, "I read that most sunscreens contain a chemical that acts like estrogen in the body. Could this be harmful? And should I avoid sunscreen? I'm heading to Florida in a few weeks and don't want to get burned."

The answer is yes. Almost all commercial sunscreens contain not just one but several chemicals, known as xenoestrogens, that mimic the hormone estrogen. Your Best Health Under the Sun, a book I wrote with Dr. Al Sears, highlights a Swiss study that found five of these chemicals in commonly used sunscreens:

• Octyl-dimethyl-PABA (OD-PABA)
  

• Benzophenone-3 (Bp-3)

• Homosalate (HMS)

• Octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC)

• 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC)

In laboratory testing, each one of these chemicals behaves like estrogen. And when they are combined, they can have a synergistic effect. In other words, two "weak" xenoestrogens can produce a very strong response.

Not only does this disrupt the hormonal system, but these chemicals are known to stimulate tumor growth and the spread of cancer. (Not to mention a decline in male sperm count, early puberty, and feminine characteristics in men.)

And don't think you're safe just because you don't "ingest" these chemicals. Clinical studies show that they easily penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream.

Whenever possible, you should avoid using chemical sunscreen. Protect yourself from sunburn with clothing and shade. And when it is necessary to use sunscreen, look for a chemical-free product with zinc oxide as the active ingredient. (You can find several brands at health food stores.)

The Language Perfectionist: A Misuse That Can Land You in Big Trouble

By Don Hauptman

I can almost guarantee that you've read or heard this mistake:

• Website headline: Design a Fallout 3 perk [a bonus for video gamers], win notoriety and gaming gear

• Mr. Westen... has gained notoriety and respect in the Democratic Party with his book.... It was helpful to hear his ideas.

As in the above examples, the word notoriety is sometimes used as if it means fame. In fact, it means fame for the wrong reasons, such as criminality or other bad behavior. Similarly, the adjective notorious is pejorative, referring to an unfavorable reputation. Synonyms are infamy and infamous.

Interestingly, those who misuse the word were once right - about 500 years ago. The Latin root simply means well known. Even today, some dictionaries claim that the word means "good" fame or wide recognition.

Don't believe them. The meaning has changed, and it makes no sense to insist that it hasn't. What's more, it's always wise to avoid ambiguity.

But even better reasons exist for respecting this distinction. Calling someone notorious - when you mean famous - could lead to serious problems. A Canadian Broadcasting Corporation producer wrote his staff a memo warning about the possible legal consequences of this misuse on the air.

I agree with Paul Brians, an English professor who maintains a website devoted to language use and abuse: "Nothing admirable should be called 'notorious.'"

[Ed Note: For more than three decades, Don Hauptman was a direct-response copywriter. He is author of the wordplay books Cruel and Unusual Puns and Acronymania, and is now writing a new book that also blends language and humor.]

It's Fun to Know: New Species

While many species are on the brink of extinction, scientists are discovering species they never knew existed... including these:

• green tree skink (New Guinea)
  
  
• an unnamed species of catfish (Myanmar)
  
  
• Togian white-eye - a small bird (Indonesia)
  

• floral banded wobbegong - a small shark (Australia)
  
  
• Big Red - a jellyfish that can reach a diameter of three feet (the Pacific Ocean)

(Source: Cryptomundo)

Word to the Wise: Predilection

A "predilection" (preh-dih-LEK-shun) - from the Latin for "to choose" - is an established preference.

Example (as used by Marina Cantacuzino in The Guardian): "[British actor Richard] Wilson doesn't see any inconsistency between his socialism and his predilection for the high life."

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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2340, 04-26-08], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.