Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 10, 1 October 2016 — Sunscreen shown to harm coral [ARTICLE]

Sunscreen shown to harm coral

Scientists are warning oeean users that oxybenzone, a ehemieal commonly found in sunscreens, causes serious damage to coral reefs. According to recent studies, oxybenzone leads to deformities in coral larvae that render them unahle to swim, settle out or form new colonies. It's also contributing to coral bleaching, whieh puts reef health at risk and reduces resiliency to climate change. Oxybenzone and other sunscreen chemicals ean cause problems in human health as well, with negative effective on reproductive systems and skin allergies. Although some suncreens are advertised as 'reef safe,' the Department of Land and Natural Resources warn that no agency regulates these claims. Instead, users should read the lahel to make sure oxybenzone is not listed as an ingredient. Products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are recommended instead.