1/17/2024 0 Comments Reef safe sunscreen meaning![]() We also showed that oxybenzone is genotoxic, meaning that it damages coral DNA as well as induces severe and lethal deformities. According to a 2015 study, “we found that oxybenzone induces coral bleaching by lowering the temperature at which corals will bleach when exposed to prolonged heat stress. Studies that followed further demonstrated chemical sunscreen’s harmful impact on coral reefs and marine organisms. Researchers found that the chemicals can activate latent viral infections in the symbiotic microalgae that the corals rely on for nutrition. Their most common active ingredients – oxybenzone, butylparaben, and octinoxate – were identified as environmentally harmful in a 2008 study. They absorb and reduce UV rays’ ability to penetrate the skin. They work in different ways, but the active ingredients in both types harm the environment.Ĭhemical (organic) : Chemical sunscreens are the most commonly used sunscreen. There are two kinds of sunscreen available in stores. ![]() In towns near bodies of water without sophisticated sewage treatment and water management systems, sunscreen pollution is inevitable. Thus, they enter sewers or septic tanks when people flush the toilet or wash off sunscreen in the shower. Some chemicals in the lotion can be absorbed through the skin and detected in urine within 30 minutes of application. Why is Sunscreen Bad for the Environment?ĭuring recreational activities and water sports in natural waters, sunscreen washes off people’s skin to disperse in the surrounding environment. However, recent research shows that these options are no safer for the environment. Sunscreen manufacturers responded to this discovery by creating ‘reef safe’ sunscreens, using alternative UV filters like zinc oxide. In 2008, evidence was found that common ingredients in sunscreen can bleach coral reefs. This begs the question, are reef-safe sunscreen possible? And how can consumers look for the best environment-safe sunscreen? However, researchers recently concluded that chemicals found in all commercially available sunscreens, even reef-safe sunscreen, pose serious threats to the environment, particularly coral reefs, and marine organisms. Humans need sunscreen to protect their skin from ultraviolet rays and prevent skin cancer. In addition to oxybenzone and parabens, the list includes octinoxate, octocrylene, triclosan, para-aminobenzoic acid (known as PABA), camphor, and microbeads or other small bits of is powered by over 150 contributing writers
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