(Natural News) If you think you're doing something good by slathering sunscreen on yourself and your kids before hitting the pool, you might want to think again. A new study places sunscreen firmly on the list of products that can do more harm than good as Russian scientists discover the destructive effects of chlorine in swimming pools on sunscreen.

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have discovered that the world's most popular active sunscreen ingredient, avobenzone, breaks down into something far more sinister in chlorinated water. Two of the chemicals it produces upon mixing with the water, phenols and acetyl benzenes, are of particular concern because of their toxicity. This reaction takes place on your wet skin when the sunscreen reacts to UV radiation and chlorinated water, and the chemicals have been linked to problems like immune system damage, infertility, and cancer.

In swimming pools that use copper salts to make the water look blue, this reaction is even worse. In that case, the sunscreen can break down into bromoform, a substance that has been linked to nervous system disorders, liver problems, and kidney problems.

In addition to sunscreen, avobenzone is often used in moisturizers, creams and lipsticks that offer SPF.

Should you avoid avobenzone?

While there are still some unanswered questions about how far-reaching the effects of this reaction are, it is enough to warrant concern.

University of Kansas Health System Dermatologist Daniel Aires told the Kansas City Star: "It can degrade into some very harmful compounds, some of which are known carcinogens. What isn't known is how much is absorbed into the skin, or if it's to a level that can cause, or potentially increase, the risk of cancer. But this is certainly alarming."

He added that people should be particularly cautious when it comes to using this type of sunscreen on young children, who might absentmindedly ingest the chemicals, for example, by licking their arms after swimming.

The scientists are now looking into how avobenzone breaks down in freshwater and sea water to see if similar dangers exist.

Safer sun protection

If you're concerned about having safe sun protection, a physical sunblock like zinc oxide is a much safer bet. The Environmental Working Group has a comprehensive searchable database of sunscreens on their website. You can find out which ingredients are in many popular sunscreens and view assessments of the dangers they pose to help you find a sunscreen that won't put your health at risk.