How Foundation Awards Sunscreen Seal

In response to the article “Burning Debate on Foundation’s Sunscreen Role” (July 4) about the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of recommendation for sunscreens, I would like to clarify the procedures by which the seal is awarded.

The seal certifies that a sunscreen product has been submitted by its manufacturer for testing by a reputable scientific laboratory and that such testing has been verified by the foundation’s committee of independent photobiologists. To qualify for the seal, a product must conform with the foundation’s stringent criteria for safety and efficacy, which meet and exceed the guidelines of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The foundation’s criteria include testing for various types of allergic reactions, SPF values and waterproof, water-resistant or sweat resistant capabilities, if claimed on the label.

The principal mission of the foundation is to educate the public about sun damage, the primary cause of skin cancers that afflict 600,000 Americans annually.

The corporate community’s participation enables us to expand our public and medical education programs, and firms that do not manufacture sunscreens also are members. Although membership entitles a corporation to apply for the seal, it by no means guarantees acceptance.

The foundation’s primary focus is on public and medical education; it also awards research grants to a number of medical research centers throughout the country. Since 1981, 23 institutions have received funds for research into the causes and cures of this most prevalent of all cancers.

PERRY ROBINS, M.D.

New York, N.Y.

The writer is president of the Skin Cancer Foundation.