How Sunscreen May Be Destroying Coral Reefs

According to new research, chemicals in sunscreens can damage coral reefs as swimmers attempt to protect the skin near coral reefs.

Researchers behind this study, published in the Journal of Environmental Pollution and Toxicology, discovered that chemical oxybenzone is toxic to young corals and causes endocrine disruption, DNA damage, and coral death. Oxybenzone also exacerbates the fading of corals, the process by which corals reject symbiotic organisms and lose color. In recent years, bleaching is particularly popular because the seawater temperature is rising.

According to the National Park Service, currently around 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen products are in the world every year. Given very few toxic effects, this is a lot of sunscreen. According to a new study, toxicity occurs at a concentration of 62 per trillion. According to research authors Omri Bronstein of the University of Tel Aviv, this is equivalent to a drop of water in the Olympic pool.

"Current concentrations of oxybenzone in these coral reefs are ecologically major threats," Bronstein said in a press release.

Researchers warned that they did not recommend swimming athletes to stop using the sunscreen. Instead, they strongly encourage consumers to carefully consider the sunscreens they buy before they swim in the sea. According to the National Park Service, sunscreens containing titanium oxide or zinc oxide are not known to damage coral reefs. In addition, swimmers can cover their upper body with long-sleeved shirts or other clothing to reduce the use of sunscreen

Sunscreens are long-term threats to coral reefs, such as pollution, overfishing and climate change. In addition to its stunning appearance, coral reefs play an important role in communities and the world. First of all, they contribute to the regional economy through sightseeing and maintain ecosystems that people can catch. According to estimates by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the annual economic contribution of coral reefs around the world is $ 30 billion. Coral reefs also protect the global environment by isolating carbon dioxide by acting as a carbon sink. Otherwise, carbon dioxide will cause global warming

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A sunscreen ranging from 6,000 to 14,000 tons a year brings swimmers, divers and divers to the coral reef environment. Contamination of more sunscreen may reach coastal areas through drainage. As many as 10% of the world's coral reefs may be threatened by certain chemicals in most sunscreens. Global warming, pollution, and other human activities are an even greater threat to the survival of coral reefs. To swim, diving, snorkeling near coral reefs, you need to use sunscreens that are friendly to coral reefs or safe for coral reefs. How do you know if sunscreen is safe for coral reefs?

Sunscreens are long-term threats to coral reefs, such as pollution, overfishing and climate change. In addition to its stunning appearance, coral reefs play an important role in communities and the world. First of all, they contribute to the regional economy through sightseeing and maintain ecosystems that people can catch. According to estimates by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the annual economic contribution of coral reefs around the world is $ 30 billion. Coral reefs also protect the global environment by isolating carbon dioxide by acting as a carbon sink. Otherwise, carbon dioxide will cause global warming

Coral reefs are very precious ecosystems. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that over 1 million species, including about 4,000 species of fish and 800 different types of hard corals, may live in and around coral reefs. Rigid corals and coral with many stones are creatures that make coral reefs. Researchers have found evidence that oxybenzone, a common constituent of sunscreen agents, can damage coral reefs even at low concentrations. When we use sunscreen on our skin to swim, and when our own wash water is discharged from our house, chemical enters the sea