Does sunscreen damage coral reefs?
There are several differing opinions. One initial study on this subject was done by Dr. Roberto Danovaro et al. of the Polytechnic University of the Marche in Ancona, Italy (R. Danovaro, et al., Environmental Health Perspective, Vol. 116, April 2008). This study looked at some of the most common sunscreen ingredients used today. It is a fact that over the past 25 years damage to coral reefs has increased significantly. What is not taken into consideration within this study are other possible causes for this deterioration ranging from global warming, pollution, hydrocarbons, or other contaminants. Additionally, the ingredients studied are used widely in other daily cosmetic products in far greater proportions than sunscreens. Some companies state that “all natural” sunscreens are biodegradable. There is no FDA definition and/or testing criteria for the term “Bio-degradable”. In conclusion, we would like to see many more studies on this subject before making any final determinations on t
