The same chemicals in sunscreen that protect our skin from harmful UV rays are also contributing to the demise of coral reefs around the world. If we want to save coral but also protect our skin from the sun, what can we do?
Coral reefs are not only beautiful, they are an important part of our oceans’ ecosystems and support a diverse group or marine life. Some estimates suggest that 90% of the world’s coral is under threat of dying by 2050. Certain chemicals in sunscreen aren’t the only reason coral reefs are dying. The situation is actually quite complicated. Climate change, overfishing, and ocean acidification are also all playing a role.
However, chemicals sunscreen are considered harmful enough to these ecosystems that Hawaii is trying to ban the use of sunscreens with these reef-killing components in them. Now, they aren’t alone. The Center for Biological diversity has petitioned the federal government to ban the same chemicals across the country. So now the question remains, how can we protect our skin and coral reefs?
How does sunscreen harm coral?
A major study found that the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, which is present in many the common sunscreens we use, is changing the DNA of coral cells so that mature coral becomes sterile and unable to reproduce while younger ones trap themselves in their own skeletons, where they starve and and die.