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The FDA recently approved a sunscreen ingredient called bemotrizinol, or BEMT, that’s been used in Europe and Asia for years. This is the first new sunscreen ingredient approved in the United States in over two decades. Meanwhile, skin cancer has become the most common cancer in the U.S.
Flora discusses the chemistry of sunblock with a sunscreen chemist AJ Addae, and the regulatory process that led to this approval with health journalist Michael Scaturro.
Further Reading
- FDA’s Greenlight of Old Chemical Offers Chance To Restore Faith in Sunscreen via KFF Health News
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Segment Guests
Michael Scaturro
Michael Scaturro is a health journalist based in New York City.
AJ Addae
AJ Addae is a chemistry PhD student at UCLA and founder of SULA Labs.
Segment Transcript
The transcript is being processed. It will be available 2-3 days after this story’s publication date.
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About Flora Lichtman
Flora Lichtman is a host of Science Friday. In a previous life, she lived on a research ship where apertivi were served on the top deck, hoisted there via pulley by the ship’s chef.
About Shoshannah Buxbaum
Shoshannah Buxbaum is a producer for Science Friday. She’s particularly drawn to stories about health, psychology, and the environment. She’s a proud New Jersey native and will happily share her opinions on why the state is deserving of a little more love.