Katrina Rosales
The impact of perfume ingredients on ocean reefs is a growing area of concern. While the fragrance industry has long been associated with charm and luxury, the scientific foundation underpinning it is now under scrutiny. Perfumes are composed of pure and/or mixed molecules, natural or synthetic, and these ingredients can have unintended consequences for the environment. One particular area of concern is the impact of perfumes on coral reefs, which are already under threat from climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Evidence suggests that certain chemicals in perfumes, such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and UV filters, can be toxic to corals and other marine life, causing bleaching, DNA damage, and abnormal growth. With an estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen entering global waterways annually, the accumulation of these toxic chemicals in the ocean poses a significant risk to the delicate coral reef ecosystem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemicals in perfumes | Oxybenzone, BP-3, UV filters |
| Impact on ocean reefs | Toxic to juvenile corals and other marine life, increased susceptibility to bleaching, DNA damage, abnormal skeleton growth, gross deformities of baby coral |
| Ways chemicals enter ocean | Wastewater effluent, directly from swimmers wearing sunscreens, urine, wastewater treatment plant effluent |
| Actions to reduce impact | Working with manufacturers to innovate more environmentally sustainable products, educating consumers on product selection and disposal |
| Effectiveness of "reef-safe" label | No unified definition, no regulatory bodies testing for this label, no globally accepted scientific definitions |
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What You'll Learn
Toxicity of sunscreen chemicals to juvenile corals
Coral reefs are one of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth, offering billions of dollars in economic and environmental services, such as food, coastal protection, and tourism. However, they face threats from climate change, unsustainable fishing, land-based pollution, coastal development, disease, and invasive species.
Recent studies have shown that sunscreen chemicals can also endanger coral reefs. Oxybenzone, found in over 3500 skincare products worldwide, has been found to enter the environment through wastewater and swimmers wearing sunscreens. A study in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology showed four major toxic effects of oxybenzone on early, developing coral: increased susceptibility to bleaching, DNA damage, abnormal skeleton growth, and gross deformities. Other toxic chemicals commonly found in sunscreen include butylparaben, octinoxate, and 4MBC.
While some sunscreens claim to be ""reef safe,"" these labels are unregulated and can be deceptive. UV filters, which are key to sunscreen's sun-blocking power, have been found across the oceans, including in the Arctic. The toxicity of UV filters can increase when exposed to different environmental conditions, such as sunlight, salinity, and pH. They can also bioaccumulate in life at all levels of the food web, from the microbiome to coral tissue to marine mammals.
To protect coral reefs, consumers can consider using mineral sunscreens that do not contain chemical UV filters, such as those with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Wearing UV-protective clothing, like sun shirts and pants, is also recommended. While the small amounts of sunscreen that wash off swimmers may be tolerated by corals, the best chance for coral reefs' survival is to slow the progress of climate change.
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Oxybenzone's toxic effects on coral growth and DNA
Oxybenzone, a common ultraviolet (UV) filter, is a growing environmental concern due to its toxic effects on coral reefs. Oxybenzone enters the ocean through wastewater and directly from swimmers wearing sunscreens. It poses a serious threat to coral growth and DNA, with the following key impacts:
Increased Susceptibility to Bleaching
Oxybenzone exposure can make corals more susceptible to bleaching, which is already a significant threat due to global warming and marine heat waves. Oxybenzone can act synergistically with heat stress, causing corals to bleach at lower temperatures.
DNA Damage
Oxybenzone has been found to cause DNA damage in corals, also known as genotoxicity. This damage can lead to abnormal skeletal growth and deformities in coral larvae and baby corals.
Endocrine Disruption
Oxybenzone exposure can cause endocrine disruption in corals, leading to abnormal skeleton growth and gross deformities in baby corals. Endocrine disruption can also impact the reproductive capabilities of corals, further threatening their survival.
Impaired Photosynthetic Efficiency
Oxybenzone can be converted into a more toxic glucosidic metabolite, which destabilizes photosynthetic efficiency in corals and increases oxidative stress loads. This, in turn, decreases the resiliency of coral communities to heat-stress events that drive coral bleaching.
While the evidence suggests that oxybenzone has toxic effects on coral growth and DNA, it is important to note that the majority of these studies have been conducted in controlled laboratory settings. The impact of oxybenzone on corals in the natural environment may vary due to factors such as hydrodynamics, interaction with microplastics, and different environmental conditions.
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Sunscreen pollution in oceans and reefs
Coral reefs are incredibly valuable ecosystems, offering billions of dollars in economic and environmental services such as food, coastal protection, and tourism. However, they are under threat from climate change, unsustainable fishing, land-based pollution, coastal development, disease, and invasive species. It has also been discovered that some chemicals found in sunscreen and other personal health products threaten the health of coral reefs.
The chemicals in sunscreen that are harmful to marine life include oxybenzone, benzophenone, octinoxate, avobenzone, and nano-zinc oxide, among others. These chemicals have been found to enter the environment through wastewater and directly from swimmers wearing sunscreens. Oxybenzone, for instance, has been found to cause four major toxic effects in developing coral: increased susceptibility to bleaching, DNA damage, abnormal skeleton growth, and gross deformities.
UV filters in sunscreen have been found across the oceans, including in the Arctic. The toxicity of these filters can increase when exposed to different environmental conditions, such as sunlight, salinity, and pH. They can bioaccumulate in life at all levels of the food web, from the microbiome to coral tissue to marine mammals. The damage caused by UV filters can be passed down through multiple generations of invertebrates.
While there is no unified definition of what "reef safe" means, consumers can opt for mineral-based sunscreens that use titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as their active ingredients. These sunscreens physically block harmful rays from the sun. However, even mineral sunscreens may have additives and coatings, and the use of nano-sized mineral particles may alter their toxicity.
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Reef-safe sunscreen and its impact on coral reefs
Coral reefs are incredibly valuable ecosystems, providing billions of dollars in economic and environmental services such as food, coastal protection, and tourism. However, they face serious threats from climate change, unsustainable fishing, land-based pollution, and coastal development. Sunscreen chemicals have been identified as one of the land-based pollutants that threaten the health of coral reefs.
The chemicals in sunscreen products can induce coral bleaching, damage coral DNA, deform young corals, and even kill them. Oxybenzone, for example, has been found to increase coral susceptibility to bleaching, cause DNA damage, abnormal skeleton growth, and gross deformities in baby corals. Other harmful chemicals include Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor, nano-Titanium dioxide, nano-Zinc oxide, Octinoxate, and Octocrylene.
The term "reef-safe" has been used to describe sunscreen products that are considered less harmful to coral reefs. However, it is important to note that there is no standardized definition of "reef-safe," and the term is not regulated by any governing bodies. While some brands offer products that are environmentally friendly and safe for marine ecosystems, it is crucial to scrutinize the active ingredients of sunscreen products. Look for mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide as preferred active ingredients. These larger particles, also known as "non-nano" particles, are safer for marine life as they are larger than 100 nanometers. Additionally, avoid spray or misting sunscreens, as they pose the most risk due to the increased solubility of their ingredients.
While the use of reef-safe sunscreen is a step in the right direction, it is important to recognize that even these products can still harm coral reefs. The whole sunscreen product needs to be tested, not just the UV filters, as other ingredients such as perfumes, emulsifying agents, and thickening agents can be toxic to marine life. Additionally, sunscreen dissolved in seawater can fuel algal growth, and the toxicity of UV filters can increase when exposed to different environmental conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to continue researching and advocating for the development of environmentally sustainable products, as well as supporting initiatives that ban the sale and use of toxic sunscreens.
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$18
Climate change, overfishing, and pollution as stressors on coral reefs
Climate change, overfishing, and pollution are among the most significant stressors on coral reefs. Climate change is the overarching threat to coral reef ecosystems, with rising temperatures causing mass coral bleaching events and infectious disease outbreaks. The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide has led to ocean acidification, reducing coral growth and structural integrity. Additionally, altered ocean circulation patterns contribute to a lack of food for corals and disrupt the dispersal of coral larvae.
Overfishing can deplete key reef species and alter food-web structures. Destructive fishing practices, such as blast fishing, directly damage corals. Coral harvesting for the aquarium trade, jewelry, and curios can lead to over-harvesting, habitat destruction, and reduced biodiversity. These practices decrease the overall resilience of the reef, making it more susceptible to disease and invasive species.
Pollution, particularly from land-based sources, also poses a significant threat to coral reefs. Nutrient runoff from agricultural and residential fertilizer use, sewage discharges, and animal waste can cause excess algae growth, blocking sunlight and consuming oxygen needed by corals. Sedimentation from coastal development and stormwater runoff can smother corals, interfering with their feeding, growth, and reproduction.
The combination of these stressors, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution, has led to a decline in the global capacity of coral reefs to provide essential ecosystem services. Achieving climate change emissions targets and reducing local impacts, such as overfishing and pollution, are crucial for mitigating the stress on coral reefs and preserving their vital functions.
While the focus is on climate change, overfishing, and pollution, it is worth noting that other factors, such as sunscreen chemicals, can also harm coral reefs. Certain chemicals used in sunscreen, such as oxybenzone, have been found to be toxic to juvenile corals and early coral development, further exacerbating the threats posed by climate change and bleaching.
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Frequently asked questions
Some perfume ingredients, such as oxybenzone, are also found in sunscreen products. These ingredients have been found to enter the ocean and harm coral reefs.
Oxybenzone has been found to cause four major toxic effects in developing coral: increased susceptibility to bleaching, DNA damage, abnormal skeleton growth, and gross deformities.
Oxybenzone enters the ocean through swimmers wearing sunscreens and through wastewater runoff.
Yes, nontoxic alternatives to oxybenzone exist and are critical for protecting reefs.
There is no unified definition of what "reef safe" means, and no regulatory bodies test for this label. While some sunscreens may be less harmful to reefs, there is no such thing as a completely "reef-safe" sunscreen.
