Is Your Sunscreen Hurting Coral Reefs?
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- Опубліковано 21 сер 2024
- Chemicals in our sunscreen contribute to the demise of coral reefs. What can we do?
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The same chemicals in sunscreen that protect our skin from harmful UV rays are also contributing to the demise of coral reefs around the world. If we want to save coral but also protect our skin from the sun, what can we do?
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Coral reefs are not only beautiful, they are an important part of our oceans’ ecosystems and support a diverse group of marine life. Some estimates suggest that 90% of the world’s coral is under threat of dying by 2050. Certain chemicals in sunscreen aren’t the only reason coral reefs are dying. The situation is actually quite complicated. Climate change, overfishing, and ocean acidification are also all playing a role.
However, the chemicals in sunscreen are considered harmful enough to these ecosystems that Hawaii is trying to ban the use of sunscreens with these reef-killing components in them. Now, they aren’t alone. The Center for Biological diversity has petitioned the federal government to ban the same chemicals across the country. So now the question remains, how can we protect our skin and coral reefs?
How does sunscreen harm coral?
A major study found that the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, which is present in many the common sunscreens we use, is changing the DNA of coral cells so that mature coral becomes sterile and unable to reproduce while younger ones trap themselves in their own skeletons, where they starve and and die.
What about coral bleaching?
Oxybenzone also exacerbate the problem of coral bleaching because it causes the coral to absorb more heat. Coral bleaching occurs when water temperatures rise to around 87 or 88 degrees Fahrenheit, causing coral to expel the algae called zooxanthellae, which is what gives coral their vibrant colors.
Are all sunscreens bad?
No, there are quite a few options that are totally safe for you and the environment. For example, sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are good options. And, of course, there’s always the option to stay covered up with clothes or in the shade.
FOR EDUCATORS
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SOURCES:
Slathering on sunscreen at the beach? It may be destroying coral reefs
www.theguardia...
CDC: Americans Carry Body Burden of Toxic Sunscreen Chemical www.ewg.org/ne...
Here Are Some Alternatives to Reef-Damaging Sunscreen
www.nationalge...
Push to Ban Coral-Killing Sunscreens Goes National
www.kqed.org/s...
Sunscreen can tip the balance toward invasive species in Maui’s coral reefs
www.mauinews.co...
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KQED, an NPR and PBS affiliate in San Francisco, CA, serves Northern California and beyond with a public-supported alternative to commercial TV, Radio, and web media. Funding for Above the Noise is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Silver Giving Foundation, Stuart Foundation, and William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
Y'all over here talkin' bout sunscreen but people can't even bring reusable grocery bags to the store :P
We've got a ton of work to do if we wanna maintain our cushy human ways. Thanks for another great upload!
c'est la vegan thanks for watching our channel!!
I really appreciate that you use your influence to communicate important messages to the people who are watching your videos.
I’m gonna share this with as many people as possible.
Thank you for creating this content!
Alessia Palma thank you so much!!
Underrated channel, love the visuals and information! Had no idea I was hurting the environment by using sun screen 😅
CreativeName thanks for the positive feedback - it means a lot! And you can still use sunscreen - just get the kind without oxybenzone and octinoxate.
CreativeName you and over a million other people who think the same thing you do but don't bother to do the math...............
I live in Israel and I love scuba diving in the reef of Eilat. Thanks for the important information! Will definitely keep that in mind next time I go diving!
Glad the info was helpful, and thanks for watching!
You can get sun burn though some clothing, would be good to mention it. White, thin shirt is probably quite low on the protection.
TheMiczu that’s a good point. Thanks!
TheMiczu actually white reflects sunlight back out unlike darker clothes which absorbs sunlight.
Plus there are a lot of sunscreens (like toothpaste AND Twinkies) that have chemicals in them that companies don't tell you about.
You're putting into your skin and overtime can probably do damage to your skin.
@@jacy2332 thanks for that because I don't know all about it (except that the light thick shirts reflect light) like For you
Remember to apply sunscreen before going out to the beach or w/e. Because sun damage will still happen on exposed skin. And say your driving to the beach and think ahh I’ll just put it on at the beach, when sun damage starts happening applying sun screen after the fact is useless.
clxwncrxwn thanks for the advice!
The studies that found coral bleaching were done in lab settings with concentrations multiple times higher than the lowest concentration found to harm corals, and also multiple times higher than found in nature. Also the areas in nature with the highest concentrations of filters, are actually not the places with most coral bleaching. In lab settings Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, both nano and non-nano, have been found to harm corals as well, and dont forget that mining of Zinc Oxide is very polluting to the environment as well. This youtube video also is interesting: "Sunscreen E-Summit: Sunscreen Coral Reef Research Update by Emily Burns, Ph.D." or "Is zinc sunscreen better for coral by labmuffinbeautyscience"
i never knew that. Thanks for keeping us informed!
the guy thanks for watching and glad it was useful info!
I already keep covered up because I burn so easily. The only other thing I could possibly do outside of that would be to keep up to date on the chemicals in my sun screen, and read the back of the bottle before buying so as to avoid the coral killers.
Sounds like you are making smart choices! Thanks for watching the vid and commenting.
I wear a thin rash guard/swing shirt wherever I go to the beach because my skin is sensitive to the sun, but I also have a coral reef aquarium and the fact that I'm putting less sunscreen into the ocean is a great plus! Love the video. I hope the message continues to reach more people!
Zinc oxide bleaches the corals too, so sunscreens with zinc oxide should be avoided too.
I know this is a bit old but I was interested in watching this after Lab Muffin Beauty Science was making the argument that sunscreen is not all that bad for the environment. Personally, I have no choice but to make more environmentally friendly sun protection choices. I'm allergic to almost all chemical sunscreens and the only ones that don't cause a reaction are zinc and titanium dioxide. So I mostly cover up my skin and just use the good stuff on the exposed areas of my face. They do make a few cosmetically elegant mineral formulations these days. I found all of mine from The Style and Beauty Doctor.
I live in sunny Utah where even brown people get burned on a regular basis, we have the highest rates of skin cancer in the nation. I always tell people do whatever works for you to protect you from the sun because if you don't, you will get skin cancer. In fact, the few times that I have brought up the topic of skin cancer, there always is a chorus of locals who have their own skin cancer horror story. Ears, nose, and cheeks seem to be most common so it's important to apply sunscreen to your face, even if you are wearing a hat. One thing I miss about pandemic mask wearing was that I didn't have to wear sunscreen when I went out! If your favorite sunscreen has some not so great chemicals in it, I say just continue using it because not having access to a sun protection measure that you like, might mean not wearing sunscreen at all. We are pretty far from the ocean here so I hope we're not affecting the corals as much as other places.
zinc oxide is also harmful for corals
I did my part in Hawaii. I forgot to put on sunscreen while snorkeling around the reefs. The backs of my legs were very unhappy with that decision.
My other solution was just wearing a wetsuit. Seemed to reduce the "soreness" of being in the sun by so much it was basically moot.
Well, we definitely think wearing protective clothing is the safest bet for your skin and the ocean’s ecosystem. Easier than slathering lotion all over your body, too.
I definitely prefer it. I live in LA and am mostly covered at all times. Way more convenient than sunscreen. And frankly my skin doesn't need another reason to break out.
Plenty of boiled lobsters at my work, but not this fella.
@@oafkadpoor lobsters. That isn’t remotely funny
We should do our part but we also reallly really need to prevent cruises from ruining coral reefs too
Always great to see a video from you guys!
Imperiused thanks so much for watching! We really appreciate it.
Coral is also one of the largest providers of oxygen! You have to watch the save the reef video by a dude named Amir!
Thanks for this reminder - and for the tip. We'll check that out!
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awesome video and info!
Super informative! I already knew that those two chemicals were deadly for corals. Now I know why :)
It was 30 ng/L to 27880 ng/L , not 29000 ng/L. The research was done in 2017
This is such a wonderful video… so so simple & informative!!!!! Thank you 😊
Thanks for watching and leaving us this kind comment! We appreciate you!
I will never go near to the coral if I'm wearing sunscreen I should take care the coral I should take care the ecosystem thank you for important information. 👍👍👍
that was all news to me, excuse me while i check all my sun blocks. Also why would anyone apply sunblock before jumping in the water? it's totaly pointless, then again most people done know that it takes ten to twenty minuets for sunblock to become effective, and that even "water resistant" sunblock is useless while swimming.
CreepyBear And Friends glad you learned something new by watching us. And yes, sunscreen is also problematic because it washes off and needs constant and thorough applications. Who has time for that??
I don't use sunblock and I don't burn. Because I dislike the sun and I try to spend as little time in the sun as possible. I've considered buying sunblock but what's the point. I hung up black curtains in my windows to block out the light. I don't get enough sunlight to burn.
Love the pineapple shirt man! Where can I get one?
My sunscreen have zinc oxide and I'm glad
Good explanation
I liked this video, but I'm not sure if covering up on a beach will be effective to protect me skin. LOL.
No, there is currently no study that shows sunscreen has had an impact in a reef. The only papers that have looked at sunscreen impacts have tested concentrations that are orders of magnitude higher than what would ever occur on a reef (even with overuse of sunscreen). Let's focus on the main threats to reefs, shall we? Climate change, and overfishing.
Agree with you from a scientific point of view.
Man, this is a phenomenal video
“How to protect ourselves and the ecosystem”
cut it off
Isn't titanium dioxide also in common deodorants?
Thanks
The pink lake in Australia on Fraser island ther no point puting sun screen on it will go straight off even if it is water proof i see it all the time people that are not from the land down under go to this pink lake put sunscreen on get sunburnt and what they’re doing is making it worse for the next person I never use sunscreen
So like Bill Burr said sink random cruise ships.. That reduces the problem.
Covering up doesn't really work if you want to swim, which was part of the main problem
Edit: well, unless they meant a wetsuit, then yeah sure
You should see what I wear to go swimming! Rash guard, swim leggings, and a hat!
👏👏👏👏
Hi dude
cabodel of nonsense what’s up?
Im here from Physics girl
Here from skincare by Hyram HAHAH
Being black does come with its innate perks, MELANIN power!
Well it's skin cancer vs bleached coral. Hmmmm
fraz. Another alternate that doesn’t harm corals is Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide soooo... it’s not skin cancer vs bleached coral. More of Safer Alternative vs Bleached Coral
Do research. Theres plenty that are not bad for the environment.
.... Instructions unclear. Adding more additives to food. And increasing aggressiveness of psychological manipulation to put people in eternal dept. Then using hot button topic to distract everyone from bigger problems.
who else is here from class :(
did u rly just say israel? what a clown smh