Rough on Reefs

Palau circa 1908     (Painting by Rudolf Hellgrewe)

Knowing that many sunscreens are killing delicate reefs kind of makes you wonder: Are they doing the same to delicate skin cells?  If so, it wouldn’t be the first time that so-called preventive chemicals are causing the very thing that they’re supposed to ward off.

That being said, oxybenzone and octinoxate “can be toxic to coral reefs.”  Does your sunscreen contain these chemicals?  If so, it has been partially banned in Hawaii. and will likely soon be banned in Palau.

Leaders within these Pacific paradises are actively seeking a balance between ‘educating tourists and scaring them away.’”  One solution could be the further development and use of “reef-friendly” products.    

Resources

https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/palau-ban-sunscreen-save-coral-reefs-58915560 

Copyright November 2, 2018 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved