Dangers of Oxybenzone in Sunscreens on Coral Reefs: Proposed Policy Approaches

Abstract

Sunscreen was developed to combat the harmful effects of skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation, but organic UV filters like oxybenzone pose a threat to coral reefs by promoting bleaching incidents, damaging coral DNA, and interfering with coral larvae. Oxybenzone has also been found to cause a wide range of reproductive and developmental harm within other marine organisms, like fish and invertebrates. While there are alternative sunscreens that are less detrimental to coral such as mineral-based products, toxic oxybenzone-based sunscreens are still popular among cosmetic companies and consumers. Scientific findings in the past decade have demonstrated a connection between high concentrations of chemical UV filters and the destruction of marine ecosystems. This knowledge has prompted some governments in coastal regions to pass legislation aiming to limit the use of sunscreens containing these chemicals. These regulations provide beneficial case studies that can be used to develop further effective policies to federally ban these products in the United States. The jurisdictions of Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, and Key West are model examples of successful implementation of such laws domestically. Based on efforts from such coastal communities, our suggested best practices to eliminate the threat posed by harmful sunscreens are to promote alternative sunscreen use, to define ‘reef-safe’ within the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides, and to impose a nationwide ban on oxybenzone. These recommendations provide a comprehensive plan to protect the United States’ fragile marine ecosystems.