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If you are planning to visit the Pacific Island nation, Palau, you will have to find another way to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays if you use some sunscreens. Mercer Morrison of Veuer has history.
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Children play on the beach of a tourist complex in Ngerkebesang, Palau, June 13, 2009.(Photo: Itsuo Inouye, AP)
If you plan to visit the beaches of Palau, you may need to leave your favorite sunscreen.
The western Pacific island, located in the western Philippines and north of Indonesia, will soon ban many types of sunscreen to protect coral reefs. Scientists have discovered that certain chemicals found in sunscreens can be toxic to coral reefs, which are a vital part of the ocean ecosystem and are a popular attraction for tourists.
President Tommy Remengesau Jr. last week signed a law banning "reef-toxic" sunscreens from 2020. Prohibited sunscreens will be confiscated from tourists who will take them to the country, and merchants selling these banned products will be fined up to $ 1,000.
The law defines toxic sunscreen for reefs as containing one of the 10 chemicals, including oxybenzone, and states that other chemicals may also be banned.
Oxybenzone can be found in popular sunscreen brands, including Neutrogena, Banana Boat and Coppertone.
Remengesau said in a statement that the sanctions strike the right balance between "educating tourists and driving them away".
Legislation also requires tour operators to start providing customers with reusable cups, straws and food containers.
Contribute: The Associated Press
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Read or share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2018/11/07/pacific-island-ban-certain-sunscreens-help-protect-coral-reefs/1917643002/
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