Palau joins Hawaii to ban sunscreens that are harmful to corals

SYDNEY >> Palau, a Western Pacific country, has become the first country to ban many types of sunscreens to protect its coral reefs from chemicals that scientists say cause significant damage.

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SYDNEY >> Palau, a Western Pacific country, has become the first country to ban many types of sunscreens to protect its coral reefs from chemicals that scientists say cause significant damage.

Under the ban, which will come into force in 2020, a sunscreen "toxic to the reef," defined as containing one of the 10 banned chemicals, a list likely to lengthen more can be confiscated from tourists when they enter the country and from retailers who sell it. may be fined up to $ 1,000.

The damage to coral reefs worldwide from climate change has been widely reported, but scientists say that it is increasingly evident that chemicals in sunscreens, which eliminate swimmers or penetrate in the ocean through sewer systems, are also very damaging.

Palau passed the law last week. President Tommy Remengesau has described it as "particularly timely", claiming that the 2017 report revealed that sunscreen products were "prevalent" in Jellyfish Lake, one of the world's most important heritage sites. # 39; UNESCO.

– What threat does sunscreen pose to coral?

It is estimated that every year 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen are deposited in the world's oceans, and scientists say that several studies have shown the damaging effects of this product on coral reefs.

The researchers found that even a low concentration of sunscreen in the water could hinder the development of young corals, said Dr. Selina Ward, a lecturer in coral reef ecology and physiology at the University of Ottawa. University of Queensland Australia. Studies have also shown that chemicals in sunscreens can cause localized coral bleaching and can disrupt fish reproduction by interfering with their hormonal system, Ward said.

Craig Downs, executive director of the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory in Virginia, said this year that chemicals in sunscreens could be "more important than climate change" by causing damage to the reefs. In 2015, Downs led a team that discovered that oxybenzone, commonly used as sunscreen, slowed the growth of corals and was toxic to algae living in reefs, giving them their color and allowing them to thrive. 39, perform other vital functions.

– Have there been any other sunscreen bans?

In May, Hawaii became the first state to ban the sale of sunscreen containing oxybenzone or octinoxate, another chemical that scientists say is harmful to coral. The ban is expected to come into effect in January 2021.

Non-biodegradable sunscreen is prohibited in some areas of Mexico. In Xel-Há, a Riviera Maya resort, visitors can exchange forbidden sunscreen for varieties that are more respectful of corals and get paid back when they leave.

– What are the alternatives?

Not all sunscreens are "reef-toxic". But "some of the sunscreens without these chemicals are quite expensive, which is a deterrent," Ward said. "I'm sure someone will soon have it and will market these products at an affordable price."

The most common commercial brands of sunscreens contain oxybenzone, Ward said. But she also warned against mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide. They were once thought to be safer for coral, she said, but a recent study showed that zinc oxide could cause coral bleaching as well as microbial enrichment, resulting in training more bacteria in the water.

"I think wearing fabrics on your body is the best alternative to sunscreen," she said. "We have Stinger costumes in the summer, when it's too hot for a wet suit. Cover your entire body with Lycra – an attractive look, if you can imagine. "

She noted that reefs are threatened by major global phenomena, including global warming and ocean pollution. In comparison, she says, sunscreen is "the one we can solve."

– What do others say?

Unsurprisingly, sunscreen manufacturers opposed the ban on Hawaii. But they are not the only ones to say that commercial sunscreens do more good than harm.

"At the moment, research on the effects of sunscreens on coral is limited," said Heather Walker, chair of the National Skin Cancer Committee, Cancer Council Australia. "In contrast, the evidence that sunscreen prevents skin cancer is conclusive. In this context, a ban is hasty. "

Walker added that there is currently no recognized standard for "environmentally friendly" sunscreen.

"We would be worried if Australians stopped using sunscreen more generally," she said.

Kim Do, a senior industry analyst at IBIS World, a market research firm, said the new bans would encourage sunscreen manufacturers to review the ingredients used in their products, but not immediately. She said the industry "should continue to undertake product research and development activities to meet the changing consumer demand."