Difference between revisions of "Reef Friendly Sunscreens"

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An emerging concern among ocean scientists, stewards, and beach-goers is the impact that certain chemical sunscreens are having on the marine environment. This has led to bans on the sale and use of conventional sunscreens in states like [https://www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/hawaii-passes-first-ever-ban-on-reef-harming-sunscreens Hawaii], and island communities including Key West, Aruba and Palau. This concern has even triggered the [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/26/2019-03019/sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use FDA to consider removing certain popular sunscreen chemicals] from the Generally Accepted as Safe (GRAS) list. As such, there has been a surge in the production of “reef friendly” sunscreens– but what does that actually mean, and how safe are these alternative sunscreens to the marine environment?
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An emerging concern among ocean scientists, stewards, and beach-goers is the impact that certain chemical sunscreens are having on the marine environment. This has led to bans on the sale and use of conventional sunscreens in states like [https://www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/hawaii-passes-first-ever-ban-on-reef-harming-sunscreens Hawaii], and island communities including Key West, Aruba, Palau and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The concerns regarding marine life as well as human health have even triggered the [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/26/2019-03019/sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use FDA to consider removing certain popular sunscreen chemicals] from the Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE) list. As such, there has been a surge in the production of “reef friendly” sunscreens– but what does that actually mean, and how safe are these alternative sunscreens to the marine environment?
 
[[File:2015-Hero-Ocean-Protection.jpg|center]]
 
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==The Risks of Conventional Sunscreens==
 
==The Risks of Conventional Sunscreens==
To protect users from the damaging impacts of sun exposure, sunscreens are designed to block both [http://beachapedia.org/Sunscreens_and_Skin_Damage_from_Sun_Exposure UVB and UVA rays]. Sunscreens are also designed to provide desired qualities such as ability to rub in to the skin, provide long-lasting protection, and be affordable. For these reasons, certain widely available chemicals are often added to sunscreen, including oxybenzone, octinoxate, and [https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/presspacs/2019/acs-presspac-january-9-2019/sunscreen-and-cosmetics-compound-may-harm-coral-by-altering-fatty-acids.html octocrylene], to name a few. Unfortunately, sunscreen doesn’t remain on our skin, when swimming or recreating in the water the lotion can rub off and enter the marine environment – becoming bioavailable to coral polyps, fish, and other humans! Studies estimate that up to [https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(18)32189-3/abstract 14,000 tons] of sunscreen enter our marine waterways each year.
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To protect users from the damaging impacts of sun exposure, broad spectrum sunscreens are designed to block both [http://beachapedia.org/Sunscreens_and_Skin_Damage_from_Sun_Exposure UVB and UVA rays]. Sunscreens are also designed to provide desired qualities such as ability to rub in to the skin, provide long-lasting protection, and be affordable. For these reasons, certain widely available chemicals are often added to sunscreen, including oxybenzone, octinoxate, and [https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/presspacs/2019/acs-presspac-january-9-2019/sunscreen-and-cosmetics-compound-may-harm-coral-by-altering-fatty-acids.html octocrylene], to name a few. Unfortunately, sunscreen doesn’t remain on our skin. When swimming or recreating in water, the lotion can rub off and enter the marine environment – becoming bioavailable to coral polyps, fish, and other marine life. Studies estimate that up to [https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(18)32189-3/abstract 14,000 tons] of sunscreen enter our marine waterways each year. Certain chemical sunscreen ingredients can also be absorbed in to our bodies through our skin.
 
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<big>'''Environmental Threats'''</big>
 
<big>'''Environmental Threats'''</big>
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Oxybenzone is a photo-toxicant, meaning that when exposed to light, it becomes highly toxic to aquatic life. Unfortunately for coral, oxybenzone is toxic even in darkness, especially to coral polyps and larvae. Coral polyps are the building blocks of coral reef ecosystems. Healthy polyps rely on a symbiotic relationship with the algae, zooxanthelae. Increased ocean temperatures and toxic chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate deform and kill this symbiotic algae, causing coral bleaching and increased risk of disease and death.<ref>Danovaro, R., Bongiorni, L., Corinaldesi, C., Giovannelli, D., Damiani, E., Astolfi, P., Greci, L. & Puscaeddu, A.  2008. Sunscreens Cause Coral Bleaching by Promoting Viral Infections. Environ Health Perspect. Vol. 116, No. 4, pp. 441–447.</ref><ref>DiNardo, J. & Downs, C. 2018. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jocd.12449 Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/ benzophenone‐3]. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 15-19.</ref> Bleached and diseased coral reduce the reef’s ability to act as an important nursery and feeding ground for hundreds of marine species. Damaged reef ecosystems also lose the benefits provided by healthy, functioning reefs, such as coastal protection from storm surge, preservation of sandy beaches, breeding grounds for commercial fisheries, and recreational value from snorkeling, scuba diving and wildlife viewing.  
 
Oxybenzone is a photo-toxicant, meaning that when exposed to light, it becomes highly toxic to aquatic life. Unfortunately for coral, oxybenzone is toxic even in darkness, especially to coral polyps and larvae. Coral polyps are the building blocks of coral reef ecosystems. Healthy polyps rely on a symbiotic relationship with the algae, zooxanthelae. Increased ocean temperatures and toxic chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate deform and kill this symbiotic algae, causing coral bleaching and increased risk of disease and death.<ref>Danovaro, R., Bongiorni, L., Corinaldesi, C., Giovannelli, D., Damiani, E., Astolfi, P., Greci, L. & Puscaeddu, A.  2008. Sunscreens Cause Coral Bleaching by Promoting Viral Infections. Environ Health Perspect. Vol. 116, No. 4, pp. 441–447.</ref><ref>DiNardo, J. & Downs, C. 2018. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jocd.12449 Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/ benzophenone‐3]. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 15-19.</ref> Bleached and diseased coral reduce the reef’s ability to act as an important nursery and feeding ground for hundreds of marine species. Damaged reef ecosystems also lose the benefits provided by healthy, functioning reefs, such as coastal protection from storm surge, preservation of sandy beaches, breeding grounds for commercial fisheries, and recreational value from snorkeling, scuba diving and wildlife viewing.  
 
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Globally, coral reefs have experienced severe declines over the past 50 years. Warming temperatures, ocean acidification, increased turbidity from nutrient overloading (the same culprit fueling [http://beachapedia.org/Red_Tides Harmful Algae Blooms]), and exposure to toxic chemicals are taking their toll on these vital ecosystems. The Caribbean has lost 85% of their coral reefs in the last 50 years, with 99 percent of reefs in the Florida Keys lost. In addition to steady declines, there have also been episodic large-scale bleaching events. For instance, In 2005, the US Virgin Islands experienced a mass bleaching event that impacted 80% of hard corals in the territory, many of which never recovered.<ref>Downs CA, Kramarsky‐Winter E, Segal R, et al. [https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/13720 Toxicopathological effects of the sunscreen UV filter, oxybenzone (benzophenone‐3), on coral planulae and cultured primary cells and its environmental contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands]. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. Vol 70, pp. 265‐288.</ref>
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Globally, coral reefs have experienced severe declines over the past 50 years. Warming temperatures, ocean acidification, reduced salinity, increased turbidity from nutrient overloading (the same culprit fueling [http://beachapedia.org/Red_Tides Harmful Algae Blooms]), and exposure to toxic chemicals are taking their toll on these vital ecosystems. The Caribbean has lost 85% of their coral reefs in the last 50 years, with 99% of reefs in the Florida Keys lost. In addition to steady declines, there have also been episodic large-scale bleaching events. For instance, In 2005, the US Virgin Islands experienced a mass bleaching event that impacted 80% of hard corals in the territory, many of which never recovered.<ref>Downs CA, Kramarsky‐Winter E, Segal R, et al. [https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/13720 Toxicopathological effects of the sunscreen UV filter, oxybenzone (benzophenone‐3), on coral planulae and cultured primary cells and its environmental contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands]. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. Vol 70, pp. 265‐288.</ref>
 
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Dr. Craig Downs of the Heraeticus Laboratory tracked the progress of coral regrowth after these events, comparing results from heavily populated beaches with high concentrations of oxybenzone (Trunk Bay) to areas less frequented by tourists and snorkelers with low concentrations of oxybenzone. Dr. Downs found that during a 5 year-period, the percent settlement of coral planulae and survival of juvenile coral at highly visited reefs was 0 percent, while the less populated reef experienced high rates of recruitment and coral survival. This indicates that though corals experience a broad range of stressors and even episodic bleaching events from temperature spikes, exposure to toxic chemicals found in conventional sunscreens reduce the reefs ability to handle and recover from these events.<ref>Downs CA, Kramarsky‐Winter E, Segal R, et al. [https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/13720 Toxicopathological effects of the sunscreen UV filter, oxybenzone (benzophenone‐3), on coral planulae and cultured primary cells and its environmental contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands]. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. Vol 70, pp. 265‐288.</ref> Essentially, continued exposure to these chemicals harms current corals and prevents future generations of corals.
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Dr. Craig Downs of the Haereticus Laboratory tracked the progress of coral regrowth after these events, comparing results from heavily populated beaches with high concentrations of oxybenzone (Trunk Bay) to areas less frequented by tourists and snorkelers with low concentrations of oxybenzone. Dr. Downs found that during a 5 year-period, the percent settlement of coral planulae and survival of juvenile coral at highly visited reefs was 0, while the less populated reef experienced high rates of recruitment and coral survival. This indicates that though corals experience a broad range of stressors and even episodic bleaching events from temperature spikes, exposure to toxic chemicals found in conventional sunscreens reduce the reefs ability to handle and recover from these events.<ref>Downs CA, Kramarsky‐Winter E, Segal R, et al. [https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/13720 Toxicopathological effects of the sunscreen UV filter, oxybenzone (benzophenone‐3), on coral planulae and cultured primary cells and its environmental contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands]. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. Vol 70, pp. 265‐288.</ref> Essentially, continued exposure to these chemicals harms current corals and prevents future generations of corals.
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While many threats face our reef systems and contribute to bleaching, sunscreen and pollution are two stressors that local communities and management plans can significantly reduce or eliminate. A [https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/8/7/491 2020 study published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering] determined that co-management efforts (such as mitigating pollution and banning certain sunscreen ingredients), on behalf of local communities, governments and marine protected area (MPA) managers resulted in an average of 86% fewer reports of bleached coral colonies compared to other MPA's.
 
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'''''Summary of Major Impacts to Coral Reefs'''''<ref>Downs, C. 2015. [https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/MemberFiles/senate/espero/Documents/Hawaii_June_21_2016_DPH_with_video.pdf
 
'''''Summary of Major Impacts to Coral Reefs'''''<ref>Downs, C. 2015. [https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/MemberFiles/senate/espero/Documents/Hawaii_June_21_2016_DPH_with_video.pdf
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'''Damages to Fish and other Marine Life'''
 
'''Damages to Fish and other Marine Life'''
 
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Toxic sunscreens also directly harm fish including parrotfish, wrasse, eels, and more. Oxybenzone and Octinoxate can impair neurological and reproductive abilities, increase levels of disease and miscarriages, and act as hormone disruptors impacting the immune system.
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Toxic sunscreens also directly harm fish including parrotfish, wrasse, eels, and more. Oxybenzone and octinoxate can impair neurological and reproductive abilities, increase levels of disease and miscarriages, and act as hormone disruptors impacting the immune system. Recent studies have even shown that chemical sunscreen ingredients are toxic to marine phytoplankton, especially those applied with spray sunscreens.<ref>Antonio Tovar-Sanchez, David Sanchez-Quiles, Gotzon Basterretxea, Juan L. Benede, Alberto Chisvert, Amparo Salvador, Ignacio Moreno-Garrido, Julia´n Blasco. 2013. [https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?type=printable&id=10.1371/journal.pone.0065451 Sunscreen Products as Emerging Pollutants to Coastal Waters0. PLoS ONE 8(6): e65451.</ref>
 
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'''''Summary of Major Impacts to Fish'''''  
 
'''''Summary of Major Impacts to Fish'''''  
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*Increases reproductive disease and embryonic development of invertebrates including sea urchins<ref>Corinaldesi et al. 2017. Sunscreen products impair the early developmental stages of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Scientific Reports, Vol. 7</ref>
 
*Increases reproductive disease and embryonic development of invertebrates including sea urchins<ref>Corinaldesi et al. 2017. Sunscreen products impair the early developmental stages of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Scientific Reports, Vol. 7</ref>
 
*Causes neurotoxicity in fish<ref>Ruszkiewicz et al. 2017. Neurotoxic effect of active ingredients in sunscreen products, a contemporary review. Toxicology Reports, Vol. 4</ref>
 
*Causes neurotoxicity in fish<ref>Ruszkiewicz et al. 2017. Neurotoxic effect of active ingredients in sunscreen products, a contemporary review. Toxicology Reports, Vol. 4</ref>
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*Causes behavioral reactions in fish<ref>Carlos Díaz-Gil, Lucy Cotgrove, Sarah Louise Smee, David Simon-Otegui, Hilmar Hinz, Amalia Grau, Miquel Palmer, Ignacio A. Catalan. 2017. Anthropogenic chemical cues can alter the swimming behaviour of juvenile stages of a temperate fish. Marine Environmental Research, Vol. 125, Pp. 34-41.</ref>
 
*Bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in marine mammals including dolphins<ref>Gago-Ferrero, P., Alonso, M., Bertozzi, C., Marigo, J., Barbosa, L., Cremer, M., Secchi, E., Azevedo, A., Lailson-Brito, J., Torres, J., Malm, O., Eliarrat, E., Diaz-Cruz, M., & Barcelo, D. 2013. First Determination of UV Filters in Marine Mammals. Octocrylene Levels in Franciscana Dolphins. Environmental Science and Technology.</ref>
 
*Bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in marine mammals including dolphins<ref>Gago-Ferrero, P., Alonso, M., Bertozzi, C., Marigo, J., Barbosa, L., Cremer, M., Secchi, E., Azevedo, A., Lailson-Brito, J., Torres, J., Malm, O., Eliarrat, E., Diaz-Cruz, M., & Barcelo, D. 2013. First Determination of UV Filters in Marine Mammals. Octocrylene Levels in Franciscana Dolphins. Environmental Science and Technology.</ref>
 
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<big>'''Human Health Threats'''</big>
 
<big>'''Human Health Threats'''</big>
 
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Some of these chemicals also pose potential threats to human health. The bioaccumulative nature of oxybenzone means that once added to and absorbed by our skin, it remains in our system. A CDC study found that 97% of the over 2,500 people tested had oxybenzone in their urine. It’s estimated that four percent of the oxybenzone in our sunscreen is absorbed by our bodies during each sunscreen application. We can also be exposed by swimming in areas where oxybenzone has been added to the marine environment, e.g. popular swimming holes.<ref>DiNardo, J. & Downs, C. 2018. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jocd.12449
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Some of these chemicals also pose potential threats to human health. The bioaccumulative nature of oxybenzone means that once added to and absorbed by our skin, it remains in our system. The CDC's Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals found that over 90% of the over 2,500 people tested had oxybenzone in their urine.<ref>US Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 2009. [https://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/pdf/fourthreport.pdf Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals].</ref>  It’s estimated that four percent of the oxybenzone in our sunscreen is absorbed by our bodies during each sunscreen application. We can also be exposed by swimming in areas where oxybenzone has been added to the marine environment, e.g. popular swimming holes.<ref>DiNardo, J. & Downs, C. 2018. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jocd.12449
 
  Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/ benzophenone‐3]. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 15-19.</ref>  
 
  Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/ benzophenone‐3]. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 15-19.</ref>  
 
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'''“If you think you’re in the clear as long as you buy a sunscreen labeled 'reef safe', think again” - Dr. Craig Downs, Haereticus Laboratory'''
 
'''“If you think you’re in the clear as long as you buy a sunscreen labeled 'reef safe', think again” - Dr. Craig Downs, Haereticus Laboratory'''
 
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Unfortunately the terms “Reef Safe” and “Reef Friendly” are not regulated, so there is not a clear requirement for naming a product as such. It's important to actually check the ingredients label to ensure that reef-harming chemicals and particles are not included. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide at the micro-sized level (0.1 to 10.0 micrometers (mm) or 100 to 10,000 nanometers (nm) wide) are better able to remain on your skin and not leach into the marine environment. These micro-sized particles are also unable to permeate the skin or blood-brain barriers within the body. Unfortunately, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are being used more frequently at the nanoparticle size level (<100 nm) mainly due to their ability to rub in. Multiple studies have found that nano-sized Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are significantly more toxic to marine life, and potentially humans, than their micro-sized counterparts.
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Unfortunately the terms “Reef Safe” and “Reef Friendly” are not regulated, so there is not a clear requirement for naming a product as such. It's important to actually check the ingredients label to ensure that reef-harming chemicals and particles are not included. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide at the micro-sized level (0.1 to 10.0 micrometers (um) or 100 to 10,000 nanometers (nm) wide) are better able to remain on your skin and not leach into the marine environment. These micro-sized particles are also unable to permeate the skin or blood-brain barriers within the body. Unfortunately, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are being used more frequently at the nanoparticle size level (<100 nm) mainly due to their ability to rub in. Multiple studies have found that nano-sized Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are significantly more toxic to marine life, and potentially humans, than their micro-sized counterparts.
 
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'''The Risk of Nano-sized Minerals'''
 
'''The Risk of Nano-sized Minerals'''
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'''''Marine Health Impacts'''''
 
'''''Marine Health Impacts'''''
 
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Nano-sized titanium dioxide (both coated and uncoated) has been shown to have harmful impacts on marine life, especially fish. See EPA's literature review, Nanomaterial Case Studies: Nanoscale Titanium Dioxide in Water Treatment and in Topical Sunscreen, for a thorough summary of studies to date. Nano-sized zinc oxide has been shown to have harmful impacts on fish and coral reefs, causing coral bleaching at high concentrations, mainly due its ability to be soluble, separating into the more toxic zinc ions and reactive oxygen species (free radicals) when exposed to UV. A 2018 study found that nano-sized uncoated zinc oxide caused greater damage to and expulsion of zooxanthelae algae from healthy coral polyps (bleaching) than nano-sized titanium dioxide.<ref>Corinaldesi, C., Marcellini, F., Nepote, E., Damiani, E., & Danovaro, R. 2018. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29801220 Impact of inorganic UV filters contained in sunscreen products on tropical stony corals (Acropora spp.)]. Sci Total Environ. 637-638:1279-1285.</ref> While a 2014 study found that nano-sized titanium dioxide caused greater damage to aquatic life, including crustaceans, than nano-sized zinc oxide.<ref>Tomilina, I., Gremyachikha, V., Grebenyuka, L., & Klevleevab, T. 2012. The Effect of Zinc oxide Nano and Microparticles and Zinc Ions on Freshwater Organisms of Different Trophic Levels. Inland Water Biology, Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 88–96.</ref>  
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Nano-sized titanium dioxide (both coated and uncoated) has been shown to have harmful impacts on marine life, especially fish. See EPA's literature review, Nanomaterial Case Studies: Nanoscale Titanium Dioxide in Water Treatment and in Topical Sunscreen, for a thorough summary of studies to date. Nano-sized zinc oxide has been shown to have harmful impacts on fish and coral reefs, causing coral bleaching at high concentrations,<ref>Sarah L. Romero  Kelly Govenar  Dimitri Deheyn. 2020. [https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.04948 Photobiological Effects of Sunscreens on Scleractinian Coral, Acropora yongei]. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Supplement: Experimental Biology 2020 Meeting Abstracts, Vol 35, No S1.</ref> mainly due its ability to be soluble, separating into the more toxic zinc ions and reactive oxygen species (free radicals) when exposed to UV. A 2018 study found that nano-sized uncoated zinc oxide caused greater damage to and expulsion of zooxanthelae algae from healthy coral polyps (bleaching) than nano-sized titanium dioxide.<ref>Corinaldesi, C., Marcellini, F., Nepote, E., Damiani, E., & Danovaro, R. 2018. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29801220 Impact of inorganic UV filters contained in sunscreen products on tropical stony corals (Acropora spp.)]. Sci Total Environ. 637-638:1279-1285.</ref> While a 2014 study found that nano-sized titanium dioxide caused greater damage to aquatic life, including crustaceans, than nano-sized zinc oxide.<ref>Tomilina, I., Gremyachikha, V., Grebenyuka, L., & Klevleevab, T. 2012. The Effect of Zinc oxide Nano and Microparticles and Zinc Ions on Freshwater Organisms of Different Trophic Levels. Inland Water Biology, Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 88–96.</ref>  
 
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'''''Aquatic Life Impacts of Nano-sized Titanium Dioxide'''''<ref>US EPA. 2010. Nanomaterial Case Studies: Nanoscale Titanium Dioxide in Water Treatment and in Topical Sunscreen. National Center for Environmental Assessment–RTP Division, Office of Research and Development</ref>
 
'''''Aquatic Life Impacts of Nano-sized Titanium Dioxide'''''<ref>US EPA. 2010. Nanomaterial Case Studies: Nanoscale Titanium Dioxide in Water Treatment and in Topical Sunscreen. National Center for Environmental Assessment–RTP Division, Office of Research and Development</ref>
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Unfortunately the terms “Reef Safe” and “Reef Friendly” are not regulated, so there is not a clear requirement for naming a product as such. '''It's important to actually check the ingredients label to ensure that reef-harming chemicals are not included.''' At minimum, avoid the use of nano-sized mineral sunscreens and traditional sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, or octocrylene, as these are chemical additives that have well documented harmful effects on a wide variety of marine wildlife. Learn more [http://www.haereticus-lab.org/protect-land-sea-certification/ here]. Remember to avoid the use of any spray or misting sunscreen products that contain titanium dioxide to prevent toxic effects from inhalation. For a list of some good options, see below!
 
Unfortunately the terms “Reef Safe” and “Reef Friendly” are not regulated, so there is not a clear requirement for naming a product as such. '''It's important to actually check the ingredients label to ensure that reef-harming chemicals are not included.''' At minimum, avoid the use of nano-sized mineral sunscreens and traditional sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, or octocrylene, as these are chemical additives that have well documented harmful effects on a wide variety of marine wildlife. Learn more [http://www.haereticus-lab.org/protect-land-sea-certification/ here]. Remember to avoid the use of any spray or misting sunscreen products that contain titanium dioxide to prevent toxic effects from inhalation. For a list of some good options, see below!
 
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'''''List of "Reef Friendly" Sunscreens: Note this is not comprehensive'''''
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'''''List of "Reef Friendly" Sunscreens: Note This List is Not Comprehensive'''''
 
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*REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 Mattifying Face Sunscreen (Active: uncoated 22% zinc oxide)
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*[https://usa.renskincare.com/products/clean-screen-mineral-spf-30-mattifying-face-sunscreen REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 Mattifying Face Sunscreen] (active: uncoated 22% zinc oxide)
*Badger Original Sunscreens - (active: uncoated zinc oxide 18.75%)
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*[http://avasol.com/products.htm Avasol Mineral Sunscreens] (active: uncoated zinc oxide 24.5%)
*Raw Elements Tinted Moisturizer, face sticks, or lotions - (active: zinc oxide 23%)
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*[https://mandanaturals.com/collections/sun-care/products/manda-organic-sun-paste-spf-50-40-grams Manda Organic Sun Paste] (active: uncoated zinc oxide 20%)
*Amavara Mineral Sunscreens - (active: zinc oxide 19% - 22.25 %)
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*[https://www.badgerbalm.com/c-24-mineral-sunscreen.aspx Badger Original Sunscreens] (active: uncoated zinc oxide 18.75%)
*Waxhead Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick - (active: zinc oxide 25%)
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*[https://www.rawelementsusa.com/ Raw Elements Tinted Moisturizer, face sticks, or lotions] (active: zinc oxide 23%)
*Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen - (active: zinc oxide 3.7%, titanium dioxide 5.6%)
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*[https://amavara.com/ Amavara Mineral Sunscreens] (active: zinc oxide 19% - 22.25 %)
*Goddess Garden Mineral Sunscreen - (active: zinc oxide 6%, titanium dioxide 6.4%)
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*[https://sunbutteroceans.com.au/products/sunbutter-50spf-water-resistant-sunscreen SunButter SPF50 Water Resistant Reef Safe Sunscreen] (active: zinc oxide)
*TotLogic SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen - (active: zinc oxide 20%)
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*[https://www.beautycounter.com/product/countersun-tinted-mineral-suncreen-mist-spf-30 BeautyCounter Countersun Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30] (active: zinc oxide 14.5%) Great for full body coverage!
*KLAR Pure zinc oxide - (active: uncoated zinc oxide 20%)
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*[https://www.surfdurt.com/sunscreen Surfdurt] (active: zinc oxide, percentages not provided)
*All Good lotions- (active: zinc oxide 12%)
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*[https://www.olitashop.com/collections/sunscreen Olita Mineral Sunscreens] (active: zinc oxide, percentages not provided)
*Let it Block - (active: zinc oxide 5%, titanium dioxide 3%)
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*[https://www.gowaxhead.com/shop/safe-sunscreens/zinc-oxide-sunscreen-stick/ Waxhead Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick] (active: zinc oxide 25%)
*TropicSport lotions - (active: zinc oxide, 8.6%, titanium dioxide 4.55)
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*[https://www.kokuasuncare.com/buy-now/kokua-spf50-natural-hawaiian-zinc-sunscreen Kōkua Sun Care Hawaiian Natural Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50] (active: zinc oxide 25%)
*Goddess Garden Mineral Sunscreen - (active: zinc oxide 6%, titanium dioxide 6.4%)
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*[https://www.logicproducts.com/products/totlogic-sunscreen-natural-zinc-oxide-spf-30-broad-spectrum TotLogic SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen] (active: zinc oxide 20%)
*Tropical Sands - (active: zinc oxide 6%, titanium dioxide 6%)
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*[https://allgoodproducts.com/shop/mineral-sunscreens/ All Good Mineral Sunscreens] (active: zinc oxide 12%)
*Coral Safe - (active: zinc oxide 6%, titanium dioxide 6%)
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*[https://gobareoutside.com/collections/lotion Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen] (active: zinc oxide 3.7%, titanium dioxide 5.6%)
*Christina Moss Naturals Sunscreen - (active: zinc oxide 6%, titanium dioxide 6%)
+
*[https://www.goddessgarden.com/product-category/sunscreen/ Goddess Garden Mineral Sunscreen] (active: zinc oxide 6%, titanium dioxide 6.4%)
*Stream2Sea lotions- (active: titanium dioxide 8.8%)
+
*[https://tropicsport.com/collections/protect TropicSport Mineral Sunscreens] (active: zinc oxide 8.6%, titanium dioxide 4.55)
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*[https://mexitan.com/products/tropical-sands-spf-30-unscented-sunscreen Tropical Sands SPF 30 Sunscreen] (active: zinc oxide 6%, titanium dioxide 6%)
 +
*[https://www.christinamossnaturals.com/shop/sunscreen-sunblock-spf-30-mineral-based-uva-uvb-broad-spectrum-water-resistant-eco-friendly-non-toxic-non-allergenic-unscented-4oz/ Christina Moss Naturals Sunscreen] (active: zinc oxide 6%, titanium dioxide 6%)
 +
*[https://stream2sea.com/product-category/sun/ Stream2Sea lotions] (active: titanium dioxide 8.8%)
 
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<big>'''Advocate for Bans on Reef Harming Sunscreen Ingredients'''</big>
 
<big>'''Advocate for Bans on Reef Harming Sunscreen Ingredients'''</big>
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*'''Bonaire Nationwide Oxybenzone and Octinoxate Ban''' - Learn more [https://www.divenewswire.com/bonaire-joins-hawaii-in-approving-ban-on-oxybenzone-in-sunscreen-products/ here].
 
*'''Bonaire Nationwide Oxybenzone and Octinoxate Ban''' - Learn more [https://www.divenewswire.com/bonaire-joins-hawaii-in-approving-ban-on-oxybenzone-in-sunscreen-products/ here].
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
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==Opposition from Cosmetic Industry==
 +
While many people and companies appreciate the surge in awareness and effort to find both safe and effective sun protection methods, many conventional sunscreen companies are actively trying to fight progress, claiming bans on harmful chemicals are "pro-cancer". This narrative is false and misleading. There are highly effective mineral sunscreens widely available that are safer for both humans and wildlife! Here are a couple common arguments from various members of the cosmetic industry:
 +
<br><br>
 +
Misleading Claim: '''"The FDA Forced Companies to Use These Chemicals by Not Approving Better European Chemical Blockers"'''
 +
<br><br>
 +
Chemical sunscreen ingredients used in European sunscreen brands include Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL, to name a few, which are said to have superior UVA blocking capability. Certain US companies have applied to get these chemicals approved by the FDA but have failed to provide the necessary information and research. The FDA appropriately requested additional information to ensure the safety of these chemicals before approving the use. Bull-dogging the FDA to approve new chemicals without providing adequate data on safety for human health and the environment is not the answer. In the meantime, there are mineral sunscreens widely available to provide effective broad-spectrum sun protection, especially when paired with proper sun management practices. The intent of sunscreen is to protect human health, so let’s do it right, and ensure that products we are applying to ourselves and our families on a daily basis are safe for us and our environment.
 +
<br><br>
 +
Misleading Claim: '''"Bans on Toxic Sunscreen Chemicals are Pro-Cancer"'''
 +
<br><br>
 +
In response to the recent bans on harmful chemical sunscreen ingredients in Hawaii, Key West, and several island nations; certain cosmetic companies are using scare tactics to block additional bans. For instance, in March 2019 congressional representatives introduced [https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1834 HR1834 Defending Our National Marine Sanctuaries from Damaging Chemicals Act of 2019,] which would ban the use of oxybenzone and octinoxate in National Marine Sanctuaries containing coral reefs. This bill received widespread bi-partisan support, yet congressional offices are being bombarded by cosmetic lobbyists claiming these efforts are pro-cancer. This narrative is also false and misleading. When it comes to human health and safety, these sunscreen chemicals may be causing more harm than good. That's why the FDA is proposing to remove these chemical ingredients from their GRASE program (Generally Accepted as Safe and Effective) for over the counter sunscreen products. A growing repertoire of research is showing that these chemicals, especially oxybenzone, are absorbed by our bodies and potentially bioaccumulate. The FDA is proposing to list these chemicals as [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/26/2019-03019/sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use Category III Substances], meaning that more research would have to be conducted to prove their safety in order to continue to be pre-approved for use in sunscreen products. In the meantime, there are hundreds of broad-spectrum sunscreen options widely available that do not contain these harmful chemicals, with more being developed every week.
 +
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==Additional Surfrider Resources==
 
==Additional Surfrider Resources==

Latest revision as of 23:50, 29 August 2023


An emerging concern among ocean scientists, stewards, and beach-goers is the impact that certain chemical sunscreens are having on the marine environment. This has led to bans on the sale and use of conventional sunscreens in states like Hawaii, and island communities including Key West, Aruba, Palau and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The concerns regarding marine life as well as human health have even triggered the FDA to consider removing certain popular sunscreen chemicals from the Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE) list. As such, there has been a surge in the production of “reef friendly” sunscreens– but what does that actually mean, and how safe are these alternative sunscreens to the marine environment?

2015-Hero-Ocean-Protection.jpg



The Risks of Conventional Sunscreens

To protect users from the damaging impacts of sun exposure, broad spectrum sunscreens are designed to block both UVB and UVA rays. Sunscreens are also designed to provide desired qualities such as ability to rub in to the skin, provide long-lasting protection, and be affordable. For these reasons, certain widely available chemicals are often added to sunscreen, including oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene, to name a few. Unfortunately, sunscreen doesn’t remain on our skin. When swimming or recreating in water, the lotion can rub off and enter the marine environment – becoming bioavailable to coral polyps, fish, and other marine life. Studies estimate that up to 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter our marine waterways each year. Certain chemical sunscreen ingredients can also be absorbed in to our bodies through our skin.

Environmental Threats

While chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate are effective UV blockers, and can help reduce the negative human health impacts from sun exposure, these chemicals act as endocrine disruptors and are toxic to fish and corals. Impacts can include fish deformities and reduced reproductive success,[1] and the impaired health and even death of coral polyps at a concentration of just 5 parts per billion (ppb). In popular swimming destinations, like Trunk Bay in the US Virgin Islands, water samples showed concentrations of oxybenzone as high as 1,350 ppb. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are also bioaccumulative in fish, providing the potential to increase concentrations at higher trophic levels (up the food chain).[2]

Damages to Coral Reefs

Oxybenzone is a photo-toxicant, meaning that when exposed to light, it becomes highly toxic to aquatic life. Unfortunately for coral, oxybenzone is toxic even in darkness, especially to coral polyps and larvae. Coral polyps are the building blocks of coral reef ecosystems. Healthy polyps rely on a symbiotic relationship with the algae, zooxanthelae. Increased ocean temperatures and toxic chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate deform and kill this symbiotic algae, causing coral bleaching and increased risk of disease and death.[3][4] Bleached and diseased coral reduce the reef’s ability to act as an important nursery and feeding ground for hundreds of marine species. Damaged reef ecosystems also lose the benefits provided by healthy, functioning reefs, such as coastal protection from storm surge, preservation of sandy beaches, breeding grounds for commercial fisheries, and recreational value from snorkeling, scuba diving and wildlife viewing.

Globally, coral reefs have experienced severe declines over the past 50 years. Warming temperatures, ocean acidification, reduced salinity, increased turbidity from nutrient overloading (the same culprit fueling Harmful Algae Blooms), and exposure to toxic chemicals are taking their toll on these vital ecosystems. The Caribbean has lost 85% of their coral reefs in the last 50 years, with 99% of reefs in the Florida Keys lost. In addition to steady declines, there have also been episodic large-scale bleaching events. For instance, In 2005, the US Virgin Islands experienced a mass bleaching event that impacted 80% of hard corals in the territory, many of which never recovered.[5]

Dr. Craig Downs of the Haereticus Laboratory tracked the progress of coral regrowth after these events, comparing results from heavily populated beaches with high concentrations of oxybenzone (Trunk Bay) to areas less frequented by tourists and snorkelers with low concentrations of oxybenzone. Dr. Downs found that during a 5 year-period, the percent settlement of coral planulae and survival of juvenile coral at highly visited reefs was 0, while the less populated reef experienced high rates of recruitment and coral survival. This indicates that though corals experience a broad range of stressors and even episodic bleaching events from temperature spikes, exposure to toxic chemicals found in conventional sunscreens reduce the reefs ability to handle and recover from these events.[6] Essentially, continued exposure to these chemicals harms current corals and prevents future generations of corals.

While many threats face our reef systems and contribute to bleaching, sunscreen and pollution are two stressors that local communities and management plans can significantly reduce or eliminate. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering determined that co-management efforts (such as mitigating pollution and banning certain sunscreen ingredients), on behalf of local communities, governments and marine protected area (MPA) managers resulted in an average of 86% fewer reports of bleached coral colonies compared to other MPA's.

Summary of Major Impacts to Coral Reefs[7]

  • Acts as a skeleton endocrine disruptor, encasing coral polyps in their own skeletons[8]
  • Causes gene mutations, impacting hormone regulation and damaging DNA [9]
  • Causes mortality in developing coral
  • Reduces coral reproduction
  • Reduces coral fertilization rates
  • Causes aborted embryonic development
  • Reduces the fitness of larvae and decreases their settlement and survival rate
  • Contributes to “zombie reefs”- corals that look healthy but are unable to procreate
  • Kills off the symbiotic algae in coral reefs, causing coral bleaching[10]
  • Reduces number of ovaries in each polyp
  • Reduces immunity and resiliency of corals[11]


Damages to Fish and other Marine Life

Toxic sunscreens also directly harm fish including parrotfish, wrasse, eels, and more. Oxybenzone and octinoxate can impair neurological and reproductive abilities, increase levels of disease and miscarriages, and act as hormone disruptors impacting the immune system. Recent studies have even shown that chemical sunscreen ingredients are toxic to marine phytoplankton, especially those applied with spray sunscreens.[12]

Summary of Major Impacts to Fish

  • Causes hermaphroditism and sex changes (males turn into females) in clownfish, parrotfish, moray eels, gobies, medkas, and wrasse[13]
  • Disrupts estrogen production in zebrafish[14]
  • Reduces sperm viability and fertilization of Bonnethead shark[15]
  • Increases mortality in mammals (pregnant mice), reducing immune response and disrupting hormones. May have similar impacts on marine mammals[16]
  • Reduces egg hatchings in fish and increases amount of miscarriages[17]
  • Deforms a clownfish embryo at just 1 ppb oxybenzone[18]
  • Increases reproductive disease and embryonic development of invertebrates including sea urchins[19]
  • Causes neurotoxicity in fish[20]
  • Causes behavioral reactions in fish[21]
  • Bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in marine mammals including dolphins[22]


Human Health Threats

Some of these chemicals also pose potential threats to human health. The bioaccumulative nature of oxybenzone means that once added to and absorbed by our skin, it remains in our system. The CDC's Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals found that over 90% of the over 2,500 people tested had oxybenzone in their urine.[23] It’s estimated that four percent of the oxybenzone in our sunscreen is absorbed by our bodies during each sunscreen application. We can also be exposed by swimming in areas where oxybenzone has been added to the marine environment, e.g. popular swimming holes.[24]

Humans can also ingest contaminated fish and drinking water (this chemical is not completely removed during treatment at wastewater treatment facilities or at drinking water treatment facilities). To note, oxybenzone is also added to plastics as a chemical photo stabilizer, and similar to other plastic additives, it can migrate from the packaging to food products contained, acting as yet another human exposure pathway.[25] Even worse, oxybenzone can be directly added to food as a “flavoring agent”.[26]

A test commissioned by the CDC found that people tested (aged 6 and up) had oxybenzone levels in their systems of 3 ppm to 15 ppb.[27] Another study on pregnant woman in Puerto Rico found concentrations of 41 to 66 ppb. Similar studies were conducted to test for octinoxate, camphor, and octocrylene, all of which found that these chemicals were absorbed into the body and present in urine, with some also found in breast milk.[28]

“The human health effects from skin exposure to low levels of BP-3 [oxybenzone] are unknown. Occasionally, wearing products containing BP-3 has resulted in a skin allergy or photo allergy, a skin reaction that occurs with exposure to sunlight. BP-3 has been shown to cause weak hormonal activity in laboratory animals. More research is needed to assess the human health effects of exposure to BP-3.” – CDC, 2009.

The Potential for Reef-Friendly Sunscreens

As an alternative to chemical-based sunscreen, mineral-based sunscreen is increasingly being promoted as a “reef friendly” alternative. While mineral-based sunscreens may be better for the marine environment than toxic chemicals, there are still environmental risks associated with their use. The two most common active ingredients in mineral-based sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide is most effective at blocking UVA, while titanium dioxide is most effective at blocking UVB. Both are physical barriers, and are frequently used together in order to provide the full “broadband protection” from UV rays. To note, Zinc oxide is inherently broadband, as it is able to block both UVB and UVA rays.

Are Mineral-Based Sunscreens Truly Safe for Reefs?

“If you think you’re in the clear as long as you buy a sunscreen labeled 'reef safe', think again” - Dr. Craig Downs, Haereticus Laboratory

Unfortunately the terms “Reef Safe” and “Reef Friendly” are not regulated, so there is not a clear requirement for naming a product as such. It's important to actually check the ingredients label to ensure that reef-harming chemicals and particles are not included. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide at the micro-sized level (0.1 to 10.0 micrometers (um) or 100 to 10,000 nanometers (nm) wide) are better able to remain on your skin and not leach into the marine environment. These micro-sized particles are also unable to permeate the skin or blood-brain barriers within the body. Unfortunately, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are being used more frequently at the nanoparticle size level (<100 nm) mainly due to their ability to rub in. Multiple studies have found that nano-sized Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are significantly more toxic to marine life, and potentially humans, than their micro-sized counterparts.

The Risk of Nano-sized Minerals

For topical products (non-spray) toxicity is only an issue if that product is able to permeate the skin. Traditional zinc oxide and titanium dioxide used in products like natural sunscreen are “micro-sized”, which is unable to penetrate the skin. However, the use of smaller nanoparticles reduce the effectiveness at blocking UVA, may be able to permeate the skin, and even release free radicals. As of October 2017, there are no safety regulations on the use on nanoparticles. The EPA provides an impressive literature review of studies on nano-sized titanium dioxide.[29]

Human Health Impacts

The risks of nanoparticles to human health are somewhat controversial. Some studies have found that nano-sized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide[30] have been able to permeate the outer layer of the epidermis, and at times reach viable epidermal and even dermal cells, and then release free radicals. This is where cell damage (cytotoxicity) and potentially cell genome damage (genotoxicity) can occur. Topical application onto hairless mice showed that titanium dioxide was found in lung tissue, brain tissue, and spleen tissue after application for 60 days, with the titanium dioxide able to “cross the blood–brain barrier”. Meanwhile other studies have found that nanoparticles are not able to reach deeper layers of human skin and are therefore not toxic to human cells.[31]

Regardless, most manufacturers aim to avoid the photocatalytic effects (free radical releasing nature of the particles) by applying a silica based coating on zinc oxide and rutile titanium dioxide. As a note, titanium dioxide is an International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Group 2B Carcinogen, mainly from its ability to trigger cancer when inhaled by rats.[32] This is why consumers should avoid the use of any misting or spray products containing titanium dioxide.

Anatase titanium dioxide produces the greatest amount of superoxide anion radicals and OH free radicals - and therefore has the highest potential of causing cytotoxicity (damage to living cells). Toxic effects have also been seen in freshwater organisms from long-term exposure (several weeks), even without UV. Additionally, oil based titanium dioxide sunscreens have been shown to penetrate deeper into skin layers than water based. Coatings are meant to avoid the release of free radicals (or photoactivity) of minerals. Commonly used sunscreen nanoparticle coatings include silica, aluminium oxide, aluminium hydroxide, methicone, and polymethylacrylic acid. These coatings help capture the reactive radicals and prevent their formation by blocking contact between titanium dioxide, oxygen, and water.[33]

While coatings help prevent the release of free radicals from nanoparticles, they are not completely effective. For instance, silica-coated titanium dioxide still produced high rates of isopropanol oxidation (free radicals) when exposed to light. Coated zinc oxide, with poly(methacylic acid), had less cytotoxicity than uncoated zinc oxide, but higher genotoxicity.[34] Therefore, if there is the potential for particles to penetrate the skin, certain coatings can be applied to help with preventing toxicity, while the use of larger (micro) sized particles can avoid the need for additional metal and acid coatings.

Marine Health Impacts

Nano-sized titanium dioxide (both coated and uncoated) has been shown to have harmful impacts on marine life, especially fish. See EPA's literature review, Nanomaterial Case Studies: Nanoscale Titanium Dioxide in Water Treatment and in Topical Sunscreen, for a thorough summary of studies to date. Nano-sized zinc oxide has been shown to have harmful impacts on fish and coral reefs, causing coral bleaching at high concentrations,[35] mainly due its ability to be soluble, separating into the more toxic zinc ions and reactive oxygen species (free radicals) when exposed to UV. A 2018 study found that nano-sized uncoated zinc oxide caused greater damage to and expulsion of zooxanthelae algae from healthy coral polyps (bleaching) than nano-sized titanium dioxide.[36] While a 2014 study found that nano-sized titanium dioxide caused greater damage to aquatic life, including crustaceans, than nano-sized zinc oxide.[37]

Aquatic Life Impacts of Nano-sized Titanium Dioxide[38]

  • Bioaccumulative
  • Increases uptake of other harmful contaminants including cadmium
  • Reduces reproduction in daphnids
  • Reduces fecundity of crustaceans[39]
  • Causes respiratory distress in rainbow trout
  • Damages gills and intestine of rainbow trout
  • Causes behavioral changes in fish rainbow trout
  • Coating is able to degrade in water, reducing protection from photocatalytic nature


Aquatic Life Impacts of Nano-sized Zinc oxide

  • Bioaccumulative
  • Causes bleaching of stony corals when uncoated[40]
  • Causes mortality of brine shrimp[41]
  • Reduces fecundity of crustaceans[42]
  • Reduces hatching rate of zebrafish[43]
  • Impairs development of zebrafish[44]
  • Reduces immunity of carp[45]
  • Causes oxidative stress of rainbow trout gills and liver[46]
  • Increases the concentration of released zinc ions when released in higher acidity waters (lower pH)[47]


Options for More "Reef Friendly" Sun Protection

Use Sun Management
As we’ve learned in this article, even mineral-based sunscreens can negatively impact fish and coral reefs, including microsized particles at high enough concentrations.[48] The best thing we can do is limit products when recreating in high use areas. Effective sun protection methods include a balance of:

  • Avoiding sun exposure during peak sun hours (10 am – 2 pm)
  • Covering up- Wear hats and clothing (can be UPF or even just regular)
  • Using a more ocean friendly sunscreen on exposed areas


Opt for a More "Reef Friendly" Sunscreen
Unfortunately the terms “Reef Safe” and “Reef Friendly” are not regulated, so there is not a clear requirement for naming a product as such. It's important to actually check the ingredients label to ensure that reef-harming chemicals are not included. At minimum, avoid the use of nano-sized mineral sunscreens and traditional sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, or octocrylene, as these are chemical additives that have well documented harmful effects on a wide variety of marine wildlife. Learn more here. Remember to avoid the use of any spray or misting sunscreen products that contain titanium dioxide to prevent toxic effects from inhalation. For a list of some good options, see below!

List of "Reef Friendly" Sunscreens: Note This List is Not Comprehensive


Advocate for Bans on Reef Harming Sunscreen Ingredients

In addition to changing our own actions to protect the marine environment, its also important to spread awareness about the issue to friends, family and community members. Ensure that your local stores are offering reef friendly sunscreen products, and encourage them to stop the sale of harmful products. Some areas have even gone as far as passing legislation banning the sale and use of toxic sunscreens. Could your town, state, or nation be next?

  • Hawaii Statewide Oxybenzone and Octinoxate Ban - Surfrider Hawaii chapters were extremely active in introducing and passing this legislation. Learn more here.
  • Palau Nationwide Ban on Ten Toxic Sunscreen Chemicals - Learn more here.
  • Aruba Nationwide Oxybenzone Ban
  • Bonaire Nationwide Oxybenzone and Octinoxate Ban - Learn more here.



Opposition from Cosmetic Industry

While many people and companies appreciate the surge in awareness and effort to find both safe and effective sun protection methods, many conventional sunscreen companies are actively trying to fight progress, claiming bans on harmful chemicals are "pro-cancer". This narrative is false and misleading. There are highly effective mineral sunscreens widely available that are safer for both humans and wildlife! Here are a couple common arguments from various members of the cosmetic industry:

Misleading Claim: "The FDA Forced Companies to Use These Chemicals by Not Approving Better European Chemical Blockers"

Chemical sunscreen ingredients used in European sunscreen brands include Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL, to name a few, which are said to have superior UVA blocking capability. Certain US companies have applied to get these chemicals approved by the FDA but have failed to provide the necessary information and research. The FDA appropriately requested additional information to ensure the safety of these chemicals before approving the use. Bull-dogging the FDA to approve new chemicals without providing adequate data on safety for human health and the environment is not the answer. In the meantime, there are mineral sunscreens widely available to provide effective broad-spectrum sun protection, especially when paired with proper sun management practices. The intent of sunscreen is to protect human health, so let’s do it right, and ensure that products we are applying to ourselves and our families on a daily basis are safe for us and our environment.

Misleading Claim: "Bans on Toxic Sunscreen Chemicals are Pro-Cancer"

In response to the recent bans on harmful chemical sunscreen ingredients in Hawaii, Key West, and several island nations; certain cosmetic companies are using scare tactics to block additional bans. For instance, in March 2019 congressional representatives introduced HR1834 Defending Our National Marine Sanctuaries from Damaging Chemicals Act of 2019, which would ban the use of oxybenzone and octinoxate in National Marine Sanctuaries containing coral reefs. This bill received widespread bi-partisan support, yet congressional offices are being bombarded by cosmetic lobbyists claiming these efforts are pro-cancer. This narrative is also false and misleading. When it comes to human health and safety, these sunscreen chemicals may be causing more harm than good. That's why the FDA is proposing to remove these chemical ingredients from their GRASE program (Generally Accepted as Safe and Effective) for over the counter sunscreen products. A growing repertoire of research is showing that these chemicals, especially oxybenzone, are absorbed by our bodies and potentially bioaccumulate. The FDA is proposing to list these chemicals as Category III Substances, meaning that more research would have to be conducted to prove their safety in order to continue to be pre-approved for use in sunscreen products. In the meantime, there are hundreds of broad-spectrum sunscreen options widely available that do not contain these harmful chemicals, with more being developed every week.


Additional Surfrider Resources



Recent Scientific Publications

Risks to Marine Life

  • He et al. 2019. "Toxicological effects of two organic ultraviolet filters and a related commercial sunscreen product in adult corals." Environmental Pollution, Vol. 245, Pp. 462-47. Toxicity and bioaccumulation analysis of octinoxate (EHMC) and octocrylene (OC). "These results confirm the bioaccumulation potential of EHMC and OC and show that other ingredients in sunscreen products may increase the bioavailability of active ingredients to corals and potentially exacerbate toxicity."
  • Du et al. 2019. Harmful effect of nanoparticles on the functions of freshwater ecosystems: Insight into nanoZnO-polluted stream."' Chemosphere, Vol. 214, Pp. 830-838. Effect of zinc nanoparticle concentration on stream biodiversity and ecosystem functionality. "ZnO nanoparticles led to significant decreases in pH value of the decomposition environment, which had significant and positive relationships to the activities of dehydrogenase, glycine-aminopeptidase, N-acetylglucosaminidase, and acid phosphatase. Besides, 10 and 1000 mg/L ZnO nanoparticles led to lower fungal diversity, which was negatively related to the variability of decomposition."
  • El-Atti et al. 2018. "Effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii: Bioaccumulation, oxidative stress and histopathological biomarkers. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research, Vol. 44, No. 4. Toxicity and bioaccumulation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on crayfish, using a common water quality indicator species. "TiO2 NPs caused alteration in antioxidant activities and severe histopathological changes."
  • Stien et al. 2018. "Metabolomics reveal that octocrylene accumulates in Pocillopora damicornis tissues as fatty acid conjugates and triggers coral cell mitochondrial dysfunction." Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 90, No. 1, Pp. 990-995. Toxicity analysis of octocrylene to specific coral species. "Most polyps were closed at concentrations of 300 μg/L and higher. Further, metabolomic profiling provided crucial information regarding OC accumulation in coral tissues and OC toxicity...The formation of OC analogues suggests that OC concentrations measured in the environment, and organisms may have been largely underestimated."
  • Tsui et al. 2017. "Occurrence, distribution and fate of organic UV filters in coral communities." Environmental Science & Technology. Detection of oxybenzone (BP-3), octocrylene and ODPABA in coral tissues. "The results of a preliminary risk assessment indicated that over 20% of coral samples from the study sites contained BP-3 concentrations exceeding the threshold values for causing larval deformities and mortality in the worst-case scenario. Higher probabilities of negative impacts of BP-3 on coral communities are predicted to occur in wet season."

Risks to Human Health and Wellness

  • Long et al. 2019. "Maternal urinary benzophenones and infant birth size: Identifying critical windows of exposure." Chemosphere, Vol. 219, Pp. 655-651. Effect of bezophenones (including oxybenzone) on human fetus development. "Our findings indicate that maternal urinary levels of BPs in the early and late periods during pregnancy may have impacts on delayed fetal growth, and the effects were more pronounced in girls."
  • Pont et al. 2004. "Active ingredients in sunscreens act as topical penetration enhancers for the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid." Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Vol. 195, Pp. 348 – 354. Chemical sunscreen ingredients including oxybenzone were found to increase the ability of toxic herbicides to penetrate the skin.



References

  1. Tsui MMP, Leung HW, Wai TC, et al. Occurrence, distribution and ecological risk assessment of multiple classes of UV filters in surface waters from different countries. Water Res. 2014;67:55‐65
  2. Downs CA, Kramarsky‐Winter E, Segal R, et al. 2016. Toxicopathological effects of the sunscreen UV filter, oxybenzone (benzophenone‐3), on coral planulae and cultured primary cells and its environmental contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. Vol 70, pp. 265‐288.
  3. Danovaro, R., Bongiorni, L., Corinaldesi, C., Giovannelli, D., Damiani, E., Astolfi, P., Greci, L. & Puscaeddu, A. 2008. Sunscreens Cause Coral Bleaching by Promoting Viral Infections. Environ Health Perspect. Vol. 116, No. 4, pp. 441–447.
  4. DiNardo, J. & Downs, C. 2018. Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/ benzophenone‐3. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 15-19.
  5. Downs CA, Kramarsky‐Winter E, Segal R, et al. Toxicopathological effects of the sunscreen UV filter, oxybenzone (benzophenone‐3), on coral planulae and cultured primary cells and its environmental contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. Vol 70, pp. 265‐288.
  6. Downs CA, Kramarsky‐Winter E, Segal R, et al. Toxicopathological effects of the sunscreen UV filter, oxybenzone (benzophenone‐3), on coral planulae and cultured primary cells and its environmental contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. Vol 70, pp. 265‐288.
  7. Downs, C. 2015. [https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/MemberFiles/senate/espero/Documents/Hawaii_June_21_2016_DPH_with_video.pdf Local pollution factors reduce the resiliency of coral reefs: what they are and what to do about them: Fighting to Save Hawaii’s Coral Reefs]. Powerpoint presentation by Haereticus Environmental Laboratory to US Hawaii Legislature.
  8. Maipais et al. 2015. Sun lotion chemicals as endocrine disruptors. Hormones, Vol .14, No. 1
  9. Downs, et al. 2015. Toxicopathological Effects of the Sunscreen UV Filter, Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), on Coral Planulae and Cultured Primary Cells and Its Environmental Contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Ecotoxicology, Vol. 23, No. 2
  10. Danovaro et al, 2008. Sunscreens Cause Coral Bleaching by Promoting Viral Infections. Environmental Health Perspectives Vol 116, No. 4
  11. Downs, et al. 2015. Toxicopathological Effects of the Sunscreen UV Filter, Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), on Coral Planulae and Cultured Primary Cells and Its Environmental Contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Ecotoxicology, Vol. 23, No. 2
  12. Antonio Tovar-Sanchez, David Sanchez-Quiles, Gotzon Basterretxea, Juan L. Benede, Alberto Chisvert, Amparo Salvador, Ignacio Moreno-Garrido, Julia´n Blasco. 2013. [https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?type=printable&id=10.1371/journal.pone.0065451 Sunscreen Products as Emerging Pollutants to Coastal Waters0. PLoS ONE 8(6): e65451.
  13. Kunz et al. 2006. Comparison of In Vitro and In Vivo Estrogenic Activity of UV Filters in Fish. Toxicological Sciences, Vol. 90, No. 2
  14. Coronado et al. 2008. Estrogenic activity and reproductive effects of the UV-filter oxybenzone (2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl-methanone) in fish. Aquatic Toxicology, Vol. 90, No. 3
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