Sunguard fabric treatment products

The reports, as CPSC published them

1. Seen by a doctor or nurse

   Made Jan 30, 2015 · , sent to the company Feb 9, 2015 · , published by CPSC Mar 4, 2015

   The product, in the report: Sunguard by Phoenix Brands is an additive added to the wash cycle to (their claim) add sun protection to clothing.

   Sunguard is an additive that you add to your clothes in the washing cycle to increase UV protection. Phoenix Brands markets Sunguard as safe for sensitive skin. I’d received a box of Sunguard sun protection and also bought some in the middle of July, after internet searching that showed various organizations supporting Sunguard’s use and no seeming problems.

   I spent the balance of the summer nauseated with burning skin, sinusitis, cysts, and fatigue. I thought my sunblock (I’d used for 10 years) was no longer viable. I tried others and none seemed to work. I stayed inside; but that didn’t matter--just simple trip to the market, outside for 10 minutes and I’d burn.

   I covered up when I went out. Sunblock first and then a Sunguard-soaked gaiter. Still! burned.

   I thought I was going crazy. My hat (also treated with Sunguard) didn’t seem to protect me. Though covered, my forehead was burning. So I took Sunguard treated material and sewed it into the hat. My eyes were all burned so I bought new sunglasses.

   I called all companies of products I used. Sunguard reps told me it couldn’t be Sunguard as Sunguard was really safe.

   I contacted the FDA to see what could be going on.

   I continued to try new sunblocks. Nothing helped.

   It was after I sewed material under the hat that I developed cysts on my head. When I developed a lump on the upper part of my neck, I knew I had to see a doctor.

   I was relieved to find out it was just a cyst. And that’s when I knew it was Sunguard.

   Within a week of not wearing or touching (because I would transfer the chemical from my clothes to my skin...face, etc...and I was using Sunguard treated material to wipe my skin in the hot sun) I was healed of sinusitis burning and general malaise. My cysts began to disappear.

   Then I did deeper research. The msds sheet on [REDACTED] shows it to be considered a harsh chemical. The report on file in Australia (1999) shows that this chemical produced skin and eye irritation in animals (exactly what I experienced) ...and at higher doses, death.

   I’ve continually asked the company through its [REDACTED] agent for studies that support their ‘good for sensitive skin’ claim. But none seem to exist.

   At this point, my skin has not recovered. My eyes and other skin parts seem stained and damaged. And the worst part seems to be dealing with a company that doesn’t seem to care about the harm it can do.

   I’m not sure about filling out the below. I was harmed the entire time I used Sunguard but finally figured out it was that the beginning of Sept.(when submitting supportive documents, the cpsc injury clearinghouse reps said that they didn’t recognize my report number, so am submitting again)

   Bought from

   phoenix brands

   Bought

   Jul 17, 2014

   Where

   Unspecified: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Female

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Sunguard, made or sold by Phoenix Brands, LLC

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources