2007年VOA标准英语-Study Shows Sunscreen Claims Inaccurate

By Melinda Smith
Washington, D.C.
09 July 2007
 

The World Health Organization reports there are at least 130,000 new cases every year of malignant¹ melanoma, the most fatal type of skin cancer, and more than two million cases of other types of skin cancer. Because most skin cancers are traced to too much exposure to the sun, many people have begun using sunscreen creams when they go outdoors.  But do those lotions² really work?  VOA's Melinda Smith reports on the results of a recent study.

A beachgoer tanning in the sun

A relaxing day at the beach. But while the sun feels good, ultraviolet light is damaging the skin's elasticity³. 

Shopping for sunscreen lotions to block out those rays can be confusing.  One claims to be waterproof⁴ -- another promises to keep on working even when perspiration⁵ washes it off. 

Dermatologist⁶ Darrell Rigel of New York University's School of Medicine is skeptical⁷ about the claims. "There are lots of words on sunscreens that talk about how effective they are.  But the reality is that nobody is really ensuring that those claims are accurate" he says.

Dr. Darrell Rigel

Research by the Environmental Working Group in Washington, D.C. was based on the effectiveness of chemicals used in sunscreen creams.  It found that only 16 percent of the almost 800 products were considered safe and effective. 

So how do you know which sunscreen works for you?  Most lotions and creams list a number for its 'Sun Protection Factor', or SPF.  Usually the higher the number means greater protection.

Also, read the fine print.  Look for ingredients like "mexoryl" "helioplex" , and "diethylhexol 2 , 6-napthalate."

Sunscreen lotions

Dr. James Spencer of New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine says you may need a medical degree to understand the label. "Unless you are a dermatologist or a chemist, there's no way to look at these labels and see what good sunscreens are."

There are the major types of skin cancers -- basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the most difficult to treat.  Light skinned people with light colored eyes are more susceptible⁸ to sunburn than those with darker complexions⁹ and brown eyes.  But dermatologists¹⁰ say skin damage can occur to anyone who stays too long in the sun. 

1 malignant   

adj.恶性的，致命的；恶意的，恶毒的

参考例句：

• Alexander got a malignant slander.亚历山大受到恶意的诽谤。
• He started to his feet with a malignant glance at Winston.他爬了起来，不高兴地看了温斯顿一眼。

2 lotions   

n.洗液，洗剂，护肤液( lotion的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Do not use lotions or oils to lubricate the skin. 不要用润肤剂或油类来润滑皮肤。 来自辞典例句
• They were experts at preserving the bodies of the dead by embalming them with special lotions. 他们具有采用特种药物洗剂防止尸体腐烂的专门知识。 来自辞典例句

3 elasticity   

n.弹性，伸缩力

参考例句：

• The skin eventually loses its elasticity.皮肤最终会失去弹性。
• Every sort of spring has a definite elasticity.每一种弹簧都有一定的弹性。

4 waterproof   

n.防水材料；adj.防水的；v.使...能防水

参考例句：

• My mother bought me a waterproof watch.我妈妈给我买了一块防水手表。
• All the electronics are housed in a waterproof box.所有电子设备都储放在一个防水盒中。

5 perspiration   

n.汗水；出汗

参考例句：

• It is so hot that my clothes are wet with perspiration.天太热了，我的衣服被汗水湿透了。
• The perspiration was running down my back.汗从我背上淌下来。

6 dermatologist   

n.皮肤科医师

参考例句：

• I think you should see a dermatologist first.我想你应当先看皮肤科大夫。
• The general practitioner referred her patient to a dermatologist.家庭医生把她的病人交给了皮肤科医生。

7 skeptical   

adj.怀疑的，多疑的

参考例句：

• Others here are more skeptical about the chances for justice being done.这里的其他人更为怀疑正义能否得到伸张。
• Her look was skeptical and resigned.她的表情是将信将疑而又无可奈何。

8 susceptible   

adj.过敏的，敏感的；易动感情的，易受感动的

参考例句：

• Children are more susceptible than adults.孩子比成人易受感动。
• We are all susceptible to advertising.我们都易受广告的影响。

9 complexions   

肤色( complexion的名词复数 )； 面色； 局面； 性质

参考例句：

• Dry complexions are replenished, feel soft, firm and smooth to the touch. 缓解肌肤的干燥状况，同时带来柔嫩、紧致和光滑的出众效果。
• Western people usually have fairer complexions than Eastern people. 由于人种不同，西方人的肤色比东方人要白很多。

10 dermatologists   

n.皮肤病学家( dermatologist的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Today dermatologists agree that the experiments were not conducted well. 今天，皮肤病学者承认，当时的实验操作上有误。 来自互联网
• Dermatologists consistently recommend the low-cost old favorites, but of good-quality. 皮肤学家一致推荐物美价廉的老品牌。 来自互联网