Parts of the world are starting to restrict the use of over-the-counter sunscreens that have proven harmful to corals, marine life and, potentially, us.
Time to screen your cream
THE SCIENCE IS CLEAR: THE MAJORITY of sunscreens damage coral reefs. And now North American holiday resorts are taking the first steps in controlling access to those proven harmful in order to protect their future business.
A recent bill enacted in Hawaii will strip all retailers of over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreens containing oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3) and octinoxate, starting in 2021. After that date, residents and travellers will only be able to buy those brands with a prescription.
More than 3,500 products are expected to be outlawed under the new legislation. A number of marine parks in Mexico have already banned products using the two substances, saying they will confiscate any non-compliant sunscreen.
Asia has yet to emulate such measures but the day they do may not be that far away, given the importance of reefs to tourism in the region.
Some scientists and consumer groups say Hawaii’s legislation is too radical, pointing out that damage to reefs from sunscreen is miniscule compared to that from global warming, coastal development, agricultural runoff and oil spills. It is however one factor that private individuals can exercise control over, especially given that eco-friendly options are now readily available on the market.
According to a 2008 study by Environmental Health Perspectives, 4,000 to 6,000 tonnes of suncream seeps into our oceans annually worldwide. The vast majority is from OTC brands – including certain lines from household names like Banana Boat, Coppertone and Neutrogena, containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Esta historia es de la edición November - December 2018 de Action Asia.
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Esta historia es de la edición November - December 2018 de Action Asia.
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