Oxybenzone Causes Coral Bleaching
Oxybenzone is a very common chemical ingredient in sunscreen and many cosmetics. Recent studies clearly show that Oxybenzone damages coral DNA,
causing deformities and inhibiting the coral’s ability to reproduce. Oxybenzone also acts as an endocrine disrupter, causing juvenile coral to encase themselves within their own skeleton,
leading to their death and keeping future generations of coral from later repopulating.
Titanium Dioxide & Zinc Oxide
These widely-used mineral compounds in sunscreen "reflect" UV rays instead of absorbing them. Although often touted as reef-safe,
studies show that in their nanoparticle form (very small particles), these compounds interact in seawater with UV light producing Hydrogen Peroxide, which has been shown to inhibit
phytoplankton growth. Phytoplankton is a vital nutrient for reef inhabitants, including many species of coral.
|
|