Governor of Hawaii signs ban on sunscreens damaging reefs

(CN) – Hawaii became the first state in the country to ban some sunscreens containing harmful ingredients to major marine habitats.

Governor David Ige enacted Law SB 2471, banning the sale and distribution of sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, which scientists believe will damage coral reefs

" Studies have documented the negative impact of these chemicals on corals and other marine species.Our natural environment is fragile and our own interaction with the land can have lasting impacts.This new law is only a few years old. a step towards protecting the health and resilience of Hawaii's coral reefs, "said Ige at the Tuesday's signing of the bill

. some in the health care sector – dermatologists in particular – who say the law can deter bathers from applying sunscreen, increasing the risk of short-term problems like sunburns and long-term problems term including skin cancer. The safety and well-being of millions of Hawaiian residents and tourists have been seriously compromised by the passage of the SB 2571 which will ban at least 70% of the sunscreens currently on the market, based on the weakness of sunscreens for damage to coral reefs. Consumer Healthcare Products Association said in a statement Tuesday. "This irresponsible action will make it more difficult for families to protect themselves from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, and it is contrary to the many concerns voiced by Hawaii's doctors, dermatologists, and public health experts."

The association represents companies like Johnson & Johnson, which manufactures the Neutrogena solar product line.

The Hawaiian Medical Association also opposes the bill

But environmental advocates say the measure is needed after a 2015 study that found oxybenzone, which filters UV rays from reefs to Hawaii and the Caribbean According to the study, the chemical is responsible for the destruction of coral reefs and damage to DNA in larval organisms.

The study revealed that about 14,000 tons of sunscreen are found each e year in the coral reefs. According to scientists, the risks are greatest in the reefs frequented by tourists.

"The use of products containing oxybenzone should be seriously considered in islands and coral reef conservation areas." Is a critical issue, "said researcher Craig Downs One of the authors of the study.

In Hawaii, environmental organizations used the study as a platform to convince lawmakers that immediate and serious action was needed. , however, will take effect only on January 1, 2021.

"The half-life of oxybenzone is about two and a half years," said Lisa Bishop, president of the Friends of Hanauma Bay, in a TV show, interview. "So, it's very feasible. If we start, the bill will help to significantly reduce the amount of pollution in the areas. "

The law exempts the sunscreen prescribed by doctors and does not include cosmetics." Supporters of the law say that there are alternatives to sunscreen that do not contain the two chemicals harmful, which means that bathers can both stay safe without incurring damage to the reef system of Hawaii.

reefs, "said Hawaii State Representative Chris Lee , D-Honolulu. "We must take steps to ensure that we can protect the other half as best we can because we know that time is against us."