Palau Bans Many Kinds of Sunscreen, Citing Threat to Coral

What are the alternatives?

Not all sunscreens are "toxic reef." But "some of the sunscreens are going to be expensive, which is a disincentive," Dr. Ward said. "I'm sure I will get it soon, and put it at an affordable rate."

The most common commercial sunscreen brands contain oxybenzone, Dr. Ward said. But it also warns against mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide. They were once considered to be a cause for further investigation, but it is more important that they can be used for microbial enrichment.

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

She noted that the global phenomenon, including global warming and pollution of the oceans. By comparison, she said, sunscreen is "the one that we can solve."

What do others say?

Sunscreen manufacturers, not surprisingly, opposed to Hawaii ban. But they are not alone in arguing that commercial sunscreens do more good than harm.

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

Currently, Ms. Walker said, there is no accepted standard for what constitutes "environmentally friendly" sunscreen. "We would be concerned if Australians stopped using sunscreen more generally," she said.

Kim Do, a senior industry analyst at IBIS World, said the market research company, said not so much. She said the industry was "expected to continue undertaking product research and development to meet changing consumer demands."