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Most sunscreens harm corals. Here's what you can do
Researchers say 25% of applied sunscreen washes off during water activities, and sewage adds more contamination as governments expand ingredient bans.
- Chemical UV filters like oxybenzone harm coral reefs by causing bleaching, DNA damage, and larvae deformation, threatening ecosystems that support 25% of all marine species despite covering just 0.1% of Earth's oceans.
- An estimated 25% of applied sunscreen washes off during recreational water activities, releasing 5,000 tons annually in reef areas—equivalent to the weight of about 1,000 elephants—according to a study in Environmental Health Perspectives.
- Hawaii, Palau, and the Virgin Islands have banned harmful ingredients, but marketplace labels like "reef safe" lack universal definitions, testing, or standardization, said Michael Sweet, head of the Nature-based Solutions Research Centre at the University of Derby in England.
- Experts recommend reducing sunscreen use by wearing rash guards, which cover 50% of the body, and waiting at least 15 minutes after application to improve skin adherence from Statements 7 and 8.
- Sewage from treatment plants carries various UV filter chemicals into the sea, and reducing these inputs gives reefs a fighting chance, said Michael Sweet, noting every small action helps tip the balance.
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35 Articles
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The National Herald
The National HeraldMost sunscreens harm corals. Here’s what you can do
Every time you go for a swim, some of your sunscreen gets left behind.
·Waterloo, Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources35
Leaning Left7Leaning Right3Center25Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Center
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources are Center
71% Center
L 20%
C 71%
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