What's behind the lawsuits filed against sunscreen companies?

Who and what is really behind the lawsuits that were launched this week against major sunscreen manufactuers in the United States?

March 31, 2006 - A Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit alleges sunscreen manufacturers exaggerate the degree to which their products protect against harmful ultraviolet rays.

Attorney Samuel Rudman describes sunscreen as "the snake oil of the 21st century."

Schering-Plough Corporation, which makes Coppertone, vigorously disputes the allegations. The company and Neutrogena say all of their sunscreens comply with Food and Drug Administration rules.

The lawsuit claims misleading sunscreen labels have created a false sense of security among sunbathers. The complaint says sunscreens protect against UVB rays, but research indicates they don't block all UVA rays, which can cause skin cancer, aging and wrinkling.

The suit seeks refunds for anyone who bought a falsely advertised sunscreen and to force manufacturers to give up earnings from the sales of any such products.

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press.

• Search Topix.com for more stories like this