A recent Marine Pollution Bulletin review warns that sunscreen chemicals are accumulating in marine environments at alarming levels, threatening coral reefs and marine life.
Key Findings:
🔹 6,000 – 14,000 tonnes of UV filters wash into coral reef zones annually.
🔹 Oxybenzone & Octinoxate, common UV filters, are linked to:
- Coral bleaching
- Deformities in coral larvae
- Reduced fertility in fish
- Hormonal disruption in marine organisms
Why Is This a Problem?
- Persistent in Oceans: These chemicals do not break down easily and can bioaccumulate in marine life.
- Ineffective Wastewater Treatment: Most treatment plants cannot remove these contaminants, allowing them to continue circulating in the environment.
- Coral Reefs at Risk: Even low concentrations of some UV filters can cause coral bleaching within days.
Global Response & Bans
- Hawaii & Palau have banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone & octinoxate to protect their fragile ecosystems.
(Source: Down To Earth)
