Hawaii bans use of sunscreen with coral harming chemicals
New Delhi : Hawaii in the United States is known for its endless stretch of sunny beaches. Hanging around in the kind of place is quite impossible without layering yourself with sunscreen. But a new law to put a ban on the use of sunblock is expected to shock people this week.
After extensive research into the harmful effects of some sunscreen chemicals on coral reefs, Hawaii will become the first place to put a ban on those specific chemicals when the state’s governor, David Ige, signs the proposal this week. It seems like sunscreen manufacturers have to switch up their formulas in a few days.
Sources confirmed that the ban, which wouldn’t actually take effect until 2021, places restrictions on the use of chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate which scientists conclude that they can have detrimental effects on coral. With a few years to work on removing the chemical from their various formulations, the sunscreen makers who use the chemical have plenty of opportunity to make the changeover.
However, the chemical used in manufacturing sunscreen has been demonstrated to be safe for human use. But the chemicals can actually kill young coral outright, while also contributing to bleaching effects on mature coral. The ban on these particular compounds, which the majority of sunscreens includes might provide some relief for the reefs around the Hawaiian islands. Now, it’s time for manufacturers to roll out updated sunblock formulas across the board.
One would have never imagined that the daily use sunscreen products can harm the coral treasures in the marine world. And, to surprise all, experts say that the amount of sunblock that finds its way into the oceans is actually pretty shocking. It’s estimated that as much as 14,000 tons of sunscreen lotion is deposited into ocean waters every single year, and that’s something that isn’t likely to change. However, if companies can improve their products and avoid damage to coral reefs which serve as the backbone of the ocean ecosystem, it would possibly a big positive contribution towards nature.
