Sunscreen Use Causes Bleaching in Coral Reefs

by Rob Walker | May 23, 2008 at 03:53 pm | 382 views | 7 comments

Sunscreen use is highly recommended by doctors and dermatologists to help prevent melanoma and other skin cancers and diseases.

However, once you dive into the water and it starts to come off, where does all that sunscreen go? Millions of gallons of it every year?

Into the ocean, of course. And a new study is showing that it is affecting marine life and 'bleaching' coral reefs.

Sunscreen lotions used by beach-going tourists worldwide are a major cause of coral bleaching, according to a new study commissioned by the European Commission.
In experiments, the cream-based ultra-violet (UV) filters -- used to protect skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure -- caused bleaching of coral reefs even in small quantities, the study found.

Coral reefs are among the most biologically productive and diverse of ecosystems, and directly sustain half a billion people. But some 60 percent of these reef systems are threatened by a deadly combination of climate change, industrial pollution and excess UV radiation.

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michelle.sundvick

at 15:57 on May 23rd, 2008

good stuff:

Rob Walker, I like this story. It's good stuff.

They need more eco-friendly sunscreen! When you go to any marine habitat they require everyone to wear it, but I guess if we want to protect this ecosystem we should be wearing it in the oceans too.

jordan

at 16:00 on May 23rd, 2008

I wondered about that: non-contact effects of snorkelers and divers on the reefs. However, snorkeling without sunscreen isn't really an option, unless you really, really hate your skin.

michelle.sundvick

at 16:05 on May 23rd, 2008

I think the first company to do a good job at marketing a sunscreen that is eco-friendly AND comparable in price to other sunscreens will have a huge competitive advantage over other companies as people are becoming more involved in environmental sustainability practices.

Stephanie Sobotka

at 18:21 on May 23rd, 2008

when I went snorkeling in Cancun a couple years ago they insisted we use biodegradable sunscreen saying that it wouldn't damage the reefs so I think the products are out there..consumers just aren't aware