A study performed by the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2008, showed that 96.8% of urine samples tested for oxybenzone tested positive. (3)
Oxybenzone is an organic compound made from benzophenone, and is known for absorbing ultraviolet rays, but what isn't well known about the compound is that it is actually absorbed by the skin. (3) Upon absorption into the body, oxybenzone attacks the DNA in cells causing damage and interrupts hormones in the body. (1) According to Pitman (2008), "Another study found that baby girls whose mothers were exposed to the chemical during pregnancy had a lower birth weight."
Oxybenzone is found in over 588 sunscreens in the United States. (1) What this really means, is that in order to stay safe, everyone needs to pay attention to what they are purchasing when they buy a sunscreen. Always read the labels and look out for the ingredient oxybenzone. Another way to protect yourself and your family is by joining a group like the Environmental Working Group that sends out e-newsletters to keep you informed on the latest chemicals and research.
One last thing to think about, the FDA does not have any restrictions regarding sunscreens, so just because the bottle says that it has an SPF of 40 does not mean that you are adequately covered. (2)


Resources
1)Pitman, S. (2008, March). EWG campaign highlights study on sunscreen ingredient
Retrieved July 3, 2008 from
http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/news/ng.asp?id=84232

2)Downs, J. (2008, July). Most Sunscreens Either Useless or Unsafe
Retrieved July 3, 2008 from the Environmental Working Group Website:
http://www.ewg.org/node/26803

3) Oxybenzone (n.d.)
Retrieved July 3, 2008 from Wikipedia Website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxybenzone