Slapping on sunscreen before making a splash at the beach may prevent sunburn and protect against cancer, but it is also killing coral reefs around the world. That’s the conclusion of a University of Central Florida professor and a team of international scientists.
Many popular sunscreens contain a chemical compound called oxybenzone. It’s used to filter out UV rays. But new research says oxybenzone can seriously damage or kill coral. And it doesn’t take much, according to UCF professor John Fauth – damage can occur at a ratio that roughly equates to one drop of water in six Olympic-sized swimming pools. People often cover themselves in sunscreen before entering waters that also harbor coral, he says, and it happens repeatedly at beaches across the world.
Fauth, a diving enthusiast, says coral reefs support fisheries and tourism, and protect coastlines from storm surge. Other members of his team include international scientists from Israel and US scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as well as the National Aquarium in Baltimore, among others.
Fauth recommends trading in the sunscreen for big hats and protective clothing, when possible.
