Chemicals In Sunscreen Are Harming Coral Reefs, Says New Study

New research on the devastating effects of sunscreens against coral reefs suggests that it may be necessary to think twice before applying it

A report on the adverse environmental effects of certain chemical substances in water has been widespread for many years, but according to a new study published on Tuesday, even a drop of chemicals for sunscreen is sufficient to destroy a fragile coral reef system is. Approximately 14,000 tons of sunscreen lotion per year ends in coral reefs around the world

Ingredients oxybenzone leach coral nutrients and make them white. It may also destroy the development of fish and other wildlife.

Scientists conducted a new study in the US Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Israel, according to the 2011 report by the World Resources Institute, but coral reefs around the world are in danger.

Destructive fisheries, pollution and development pose a threat to coral reefs, but studies have shown that sunscreens pose a serious threat to coral health.

"In areas where the protection of islands and coral reefs is an important issue, careful consideration is necessary for products containing oxybenzoes," said Craig Downs, co-author of the Washington Post.

"We lost at least 80% of the Caribbean coral reefs," Towns said. "Even with a little effort to reduce oxybenzone contamination it can mean that coral reefs can tolerate long and hot summers or that the devastated areas will recover."

The local economy also depends on tourism attracted by coral reefs. As a result, some local companies are beginning to ban the use of harmful sunscreens in their waters. In Akumal, Mexico, known for coral reefs and sea turtles, tourists are warned not to wear sunscreen and are restricted to specific areas to prevent disruption of excessive coral reef life.

However, sunscreens for beach users are just a part of it. As sunscreen is always worn, it gets caught in the waterway when it is cleaned, washed away like household detergent harmful chemical substances and enters the sewer.

Co-author John Firth told the post: "People took a shower and they forgot to go somewhere."

National Florida, Hawaii, US Virgin Islands, and the National Parks Administration of American Samoa recommend using "coral-friendly" sunscreens (sunscreens made of titanium oxide or zinc oxide, these are natural minerals) doing. Please wear clothes and hat to protect your skin. From the sun

But there is still controversy about the evidence that sunscreen agents affect coral reefs and whether consumers should rely on 'coral-friendly' consumers. According to Cinzia Corinaldesi, a marine ecologist who has been studying the impact of sunscreens on coral reef since 2003, the problem is that "Oxybenzone is not the only harmful component of sunscreen" unfortunately. Impact of coral fading - ban does not affect preventing these things

A report on the adverse environmental effects of certain chemical substances in water has been widespread for many years, but according to a new study published on Tuesday, even a drop of chemicals for sunscreen is sufficient to destroy a fragile coral reef system is. Approximately 14,000 tons of sunscreen lotion is completed each year around the world. The local economy also depends on tourism attracted by coral reefs. As a result, some local companies are beginning to ban the use of harmful sunscreens in their waters. In Akumal, Mexico, known for coral reefs and sea turtles, tourists are warned not to wear sunscreen and are restricted to specific areas to prevent disruption of excessive coral reef life.

A review of sunscreen and coral reef related research by the International Coral Reef Research Institute shows that further research is needed. In the report, "Although experiments have been basically done at the site, there is a possibility that the state of coral reefs may not be accurately reflected, and there is a possibility of rapidly dispersing and diluting," ing. The concentration of sunscreen chemicals is higher than the concentration in real coral reef environments. This may distort the effects of coral reef damage