Hawaii banishes sunscreen with chemicals that damage coral

Honolulu.- The Governor of Hawaii, David Ige enacted a law on Tuesday that will prohibit the sale of sunscreens containing two chemicals that are believed to harm coral reefs .

Hawaii's measure makes the first state of the United States to approve the ban on oxybenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate. The ban will take effect in 2021.

Scientists have found that both substances can be toxic to coral, which is a vital part of the ocean ecosystem and a popular attraction for tourists. Instead, consumers will have to buy sunscreens that do not contain such chemical compounds.

Opponents say that there is not enough scientific studies to support the claim that chemicals are harmful to coral reefs.

The group of Hawaiian retailers says it worries that the ban discourages people from buying sunscreens in traditional stores.