How Sunscreen is affecting Marine Life
How Sunscreen is affecting marine life
As summer rolls around over 13.3 billion dollars of SPF products are bought each year. And as sunscreen products fly off the shelves left and right, it’s important to know the effects they have on Marine life. But don’t worry! Although many sunscreens are harmful there are safe alternatives that protect you and the Marine life all at the same time.
Why is Sunscreen Harmful to Marine Life?
The majority of sunscreen products have harmful chemicals in them, even products that are labeled as “reef safe” can be harmful. These are the list of chemicals found in the majority of SPF products to look out for that are harmful to marine life, octinoxate, octisalate/octocrylene, homosalate, avobenzone, Ethylhexyl, methoxycinnamate, parabens, retinyl palmitate, and fragrance. I know, the list is long but taking the time to check the specifics can help make a difference!
How do these chemicals affect Marine Life?
Here are a few ways that these chemicals affect Marine Life in specific,
Coral Reefs: leads to coral bleaching, disturbs coral reproduction, or even kill it
Fish: decreases fertility/reproduction, deforms young and hurts the food cycle
Green Algeae: impairs growth and the food chain in the ocean
Sea Urchins: damages immune systems, reproductive systems and hurts the young
What we can do?
I know how overwhelming this information may be, but the good news is there are so many ways we are able to help prevent this from happening! The main way is by buying sunscreen that is reef safe so below will be a link to reef-safe products as well as more information on the issue.
Written by Alyssa Escalera