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The nation of Palau Western Pacific 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.
An estimated 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen end up in the world's oceans each year.
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 at the University of Queensland in Australia.
Studies have shown that chemicals in sunscreens can cause localized coral bleaching and can disrupt fish reproduction by interfering with their hormone system, Ward said.
A study conducted in 2015 found that the oxybenzone found in sunscreens delayed the growth of corals and was toxic to algae living in the reefs.
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