What is the story about?
Research indicates that sunscreens contribute significantly to coral reef degradation, with approximately 5,000 tons of sunscreen chemicals entering reef areas
annually, equivalent to the weight of about 1,000 elephants. Coral reefs, which support a quarter of all marine species despite covering only 0.1% of the ocean, face additional threats from these chemicals as they interact with pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
Sources of Sunscreen Pollution
Pollution from sunscreens occurs not only during swimming but also when individuals shower, wash towels, or urinate after visiting the beach. Studies reveal that sewage treatment plants often fail to remove many UV filter compounds, leading to contamination in oceans.Chemicals That Harm Coral Reefs
Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two prevalent chemical UV filters linked to coral damage. A study published in 2016 demonstrated that oxybenzone can deform coral larvae, causing them to expel essential algae and leading to bleaching.This bleaching process renders corals vulnerable to disease and starvation, particularly as marine heat waves become more frequent due to climate change. Oxybenzone has been shown to be toxic at very low concentrations, raising concerns about its presence in popular snorkeling areas.
Researchers are also increasingly concerned about other chemicals such as octocrylene, avobenzone, and homosalate, which have been found in various marine organisms, raising questions about seafood safety.
Craig Downs, executive director of Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, noted, “We measured the level of oxybenzone in locally caught fish. It was scary. These chemicals move through the food chain, then we eat it.”
Mineral Sunscreens: A Safer Alternative?
While zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are generally considered safer alternatives, experts warn that they should be in non-nano form to minimize the risk of inhalation or absorption by marine life.Additionally, zinc oxide may contain trace heavy metals, and the ecological safety of many products remains untested. Consumers are advised to examine inactive ingredients, as additives can also harm marine ecosystems.
Reducing Sunscreen Use
Experts recommend minimizing sunscreen use by opting for clothing, rash guards, and seeking shade. Craig Downs stated, “If you put on a rash guard or long sleeve swim shirt, you basically cover up 50% of your body, which means you don’t need 50% of the sunscreen.”When sunscreen is necessary, consumers should choose products with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Newer formulations offer alternatives that are less likely to leave a visible residue.
Avoiding aerosol sprays and allowing sunscreen to adhere for at least 15 minutes before swimming can further mitigate its impact on marine environments.
Regulatory Landscape and Consumer Awareness
Hawaii was the first U.S. state to ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2018, with similar measures adopted in Key West, Florida, and Palau. However, the marketplace remains largely unregulated, leading to misleading labels such as “reef safe.”Michael Sweet from the University of Derby noted, “People can just write whatever they want on a bottle, and there’s no validation, no testing, no standardization.” Independent certifications like Protect Land + Sea aim to help consumers make informed choices.
Sweet emphasized, “Reefs are being hammered left, right and center. Every little bit we can do tips the balance a little bit further up and hopefully gives them that bit of a fighting chance.”
