From Skin to Marine Life: The Ecological Dangers of Sunscreen
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
As days get longer and nature flourishes, the summer season approaches fast. The sun however, is not the kindest to skin. From sunburn, skin cancer, and aging, millions want to avoid these downsides as they enjoy the warm weather with the use of one product -- sunscreen. Sunscreen seems to be the answer for the problems caused by the sun, but once that sunscreen is washed off, where does it go? What does it affect?
The use of sunscreen in the U.S has gone up significantly. Over 75% of adults report using sunscreen. That percentage seems to have an upward momentum as sunscreen has been incorporated in skincare and makeup, and the awareness about skin cancer has risen. Today, the sunscreen industry is worth over 16 billion dollars, with United States consumers purchasing over 310 million units annually.
The issue with this trend in sunscreen is where it goes once it's washed off. Some estimates suggest over 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter waterways annually, as chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate enter through drains.
These chemicals have a negative effect on the ecosystem. For example, the presence of oxybenzone in the ocean has led to bleached coral and DNA deformities in coral reefs. In green algae, sunscreen runoff can cause impaired growth and photosynthesis
Instead of harming marine life through the use of sunscreen for UV protection, there are alternate products that still protect the skin while not harming marine life. For example, wearing woven clothes with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor are not only reusable, but are also safe. Brands such as Coolibar offer such clothes. Hats, and sunglasses with a UV-400 rating protect the head and eyes. If you still opt for a product similar to sunscreen, avoid products that have oxybenzone and oxinate and look for products that are mineral based and contain non-nano zinc oxide, and non-nano titanium dioxide. Brands such as Badger Balm offer such products.
As tempting sunscreen is to use, stay conscious of the products you use that may pollute waterways, animals, and the environment, and keep in mind key alternates that offer sun safety as well.
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