Seirus Introduces Chemical-Free Sun-Protective Accessories, as Scientists Question Sunscreen Safety

May 25, 2012 - PRLog -- San Diego, CA – As summer 2012 nears, Americans are experiencing a skin cancer crisis caused by their failing to protect themselves from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a leading cause of skin cancer; annually over two million people are diagnosed with skin cancer, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation, and between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once.

"We are in the midst of a skin cancer epidemic right now" says Daniel Siegel, president of the American Academy of Dermatology (USA Today, May 10, 2012).

Skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in the United States, and the April 2012 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings reports that between 1970 and 2009 melanoma increased eightfold among women and fourfold among men (ages 18 to 39).

Ironically, in the face of this critical need for sun protection, chemicals commonly found in sunscreens are being called possibly-carcinogenic by a growing number of scientists. The 2012 Sunscreen Guide from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports “the common sunscreen ingredient vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) may speed development of cancer,” adding that  some loose powder sunscreens contain particles of titanium dioxide, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans when inhaled.” In March 2012, the American Chemical Society reported that benzophenone may be linked to endometriosis. In June 2011, Scientific American magazine reported that about 60 percent of sunscreens now contain oxybenzone, a synthetic estrogen that soaks into skin and has been described as “a potential hormone disruptor.” Other potentially dangerous chemicals commonly found in sunscreen include diethanolamine, salicylates and parabens.

“The best sun protection is a broad-brimmed hat and clothing,” read the lead of a May 2012 Los Angeles Times story on sunscreen. The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention ranks sun-protective clothing ahead of sunscreen as a means of protecting skin. Further, the FDA and the Mayo Clinic endorse sun-protective clothing.

Responding to the need for people to safely protect themselves from the sun is outdoor-gear leader Seirus Innovation, which has introduced chemical-free, certified sun-protective accessories that block up to 99 percent of UV rays. Typically, regular clothing provides a UPF of just 5 to 7. Sales of the accessories have seen a dramatic surge.

“At Seirus we are seeing great interest in our new SunDanas and Quick Shade hats, and continued growth in our SunThings, introduced last year. They all deliver UV protection via high-thread-count fabrics colored with natural,  non-synthetic dyes,” notes Seirus cofounder, Joe Edwards. “We are being told that this is directly related to growing consumer interest in chemical-free options for sun protection.”

Seirus’ functional and stylish SunDanas, ($14.99 msrp), SunThings  ($19.99 msrp) and Quick Shade hats ($24.99 msrp) are all chemical-free and provide UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 25 to 50, the highest available, as confirmed by tests created by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. The UPF will last the lifetime of the accessories and, unlike sunscreen, will not sweat or wash off.  Notwithstanding the risks, sunscreen must be reapplied at least every two hours to provide adequate burn protection, according to the FDA.

The Seirus accessories are designed specifically to cover and protect the most vulnerable and often unprotected parts of the neck and face – in addition to the rest of the head. This is relatively uncommon, as shirts and traditional hats that don’t protect the face and neck account for the majority of sun-protective clothing.

Both the tube-cut SunThings and angled-bandana-cut SunDanas come in one-size-fits-all and measure approximately 21 x 14.5 and 16 x 10 inches respectively. They are seamless, come in a broad range of colors and prints, and are made with wicking, four-way stretch polyester that easily slips over the head and maintains elasticity. The SunThing can be worn at least eight ways, including as a face mask, neck gaiter, headrag, beanie, headband for a broad range of sun protection options to suit the wearer’s needs (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_bjz40B9ic).



Quick Shade hats come in both traditional ball-cap and sun-hat styles with wide brims that cast 360-degree shade. All the hats feature Seirus’ patented, sewn-in SunDanas that can be draped on the back of the neck (double layered for UPF 50) or pulled over the head and worn as a face mask or neck gaiter (single layer for UPF 25) to protect the face and neck from the burning sun. Uniquely, the SunDanas also tuck neatly away inside the hats. The hats are all made of quick-drying, soft Supplex nylon fabric.

For summer activities at altitude, where there is greater need for sun protection –and a need for warmth in the chill of mornings and evenings- Seirus offers the same UPF in fleece-lined and stylish SnowThings ($19.99-$24.99 msrp) and SnowDanas ($19.99 msrp).  

SunDanas  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjB7lrV0k1I
Quick Shade http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5ZssPpC_OI

About Seirus Innovation: Seirus Innovation can be counted on for products and technologies designed to enhance your comfort in any condition summer and winter can dish out. Seirus constantly is creating and improving its products to enhance the experience of active outdoor enthusiasts. While focusing on innovation, its engineering develops and delivers the best products out there. For over 30 years the team at Seirus Innovation has developed cutting-edge technologies and products that have proven to be groundbreaking for sun protection and cold weather comfort. Seirus has been granted 18 patents, including 11 active and 3 patents pending. It has over 300 products covering five outdoor-gear categories: gloves, liners, masques and clavas, hats and quicks, and essential equipment. Cofounder Mike Carey invented Cat Tracks, among other Seirus products, is an NFL ref and the first African-American to be head referee at a Super Bowl. Cofounder Joe Edwards invented the modern snow sports face mask, which has evolved into the world’s best-selling face mask. When it comes to staying warm, consumers can rely on Seirus products to be at the forefront of innovation. Seirus’ industry-leading sales can be verified by respected industry authority Leisure Trends Group (www.leisuretrends.com).