THE CONSUMERS UNION in the US is advising parents not to use spray-on sun cream on their children until a review by the Food and Drug Administration has been completed.

The FDA investigation was announced last month but actually started in 2011 and the organisation is looking at the possibility that people may accidentally breathe in chemicals in the product. The union said in its monthly magazine that children are most at risk as they “are more likely to squirm around when they’re being sprayed”.

It also warned against a particular brand as it is marketed especially for children.

TheJournal.ie asked the Irish version of the FDA – the Health Products Regulatory Authority – if it is investigating the safety of similar products sold here. The HPRA said it is aware of the FDA investigation into spray-on sun protection.

The investigation has not been completed. The HPRA will, in its role as competent authority for cosmetic products, review the findings of the report once published.

The authority also said there is no authorisation process for cosmetic products before they go on the market and this includes sun protection products. Under European Economic Area (EEA) rules, there is only a requirement for notification that a product is intended to be placed on the market.

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