Sunscreens Threaten Coral Reefs
Ocean Swimmers’ Skin Protection Activates Deadly Reef Algae Virus
Coral reef conservation is facing yet another challenge. These highly sensitive ecosystems are already suffering from harmful fishing practices that damage the reefs, freshwater runoff and water treatment outflow byproducts, climate change induced bleaching, and physical damage from ships, divers and souvenir collectors. Now it appears that some of the chemicals in sunscreen lotions can kill them as well.
Threats to Coral Reef Ecosystems
Human encroachment into coastal areas is the biggest contributor to coral reef damage. Freshwater runoff and sewage outfalls increase sediment and nutrient levels, which contribute to eutrophication and favor competitive species such as sponges. Pesticides, petroleum products and nutrients from agricultural activities are also introduced into the ocean from runoff damaging the coral. Warm water from power plants contributes to coral bleaching.
Fishermen have long valued the coral reef environment for the abundance of fish found there. As demand has increased, the use of traps, nets and explosives to increase fishing yield has resulted in physical damage to the coral reefs, as well as alterations in the fish populations, which unbalance the ecosystem. Harvesting coral for the saltwater aquarium trade also contributes to ecosystem imbalances.
Physical damage to coral reefs result from collectors, both commercial and individual, for souvenirs and from boat anchors or accidental grounding of ships. Oil spills and fuel leakages, as well as tributyltin from antifouling paint damage coral reefs as well.
How Sunscreen Damages The Coral Reef Environment
Coral reefs are made up in part by symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae. These algae photosynthesize within the coral and are the source of the bright colors of healthy coral. They are also the corals’ main energy source. When the algae die, the coral becomes a white skeleton, a phenomenon known as coral bleaching.
Zooxanthellae are susceptible to viral infections, which can be activated by certain chemicals in sunscreen lotions. The four chemicals linked to viral activation are parabens, cinnamates, benzophenones and camphor, which are commonly found in most sunscreen products. Once the virus is activated the algae is killed and coral reef bleaching is the result.
Negative Effects of These Sunscreen Ingredients on Humans
All of these chemicals are estrogenic endocrine disrupters in humans, making for a second reason to reconsider which sunscreen product to use. Although there is some question as to how much sunscreen accumulates in the water, it appears that damage to coral is not dose dependent. And once the virus is activated, the epidemic is triggered within the affected coral reef.
The researchers are not suggesting giving up the use of sunscreen products. Rather, they suggest using eco-friendly sunscreens and physical filter type products. In Australia, where coral reefs are an important part of their environment, as well as their tourism industry, efforts continue on developing a sunscreen based on the a UV blocking component found in the coral itself.
Coral Reef
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