How chemical sunscreens are destroying coral reefs worldwide
According to research and a new report that was published in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology on Tuesday, chemical sunscreens containing the ingredient, Oxybenzone, are contributing to the destruction of our world’s coral reef systems.
First, you must understand that each year, approximately 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen wash off ocean goers, according to the U.S. National Park Service. From there, the news from the recent research is even more staggering.
The report confirms that trace amounts of the chemical, Oxybenzone, is all it takes to begin damaging delicate coral. The specifics of the report detail that concentrations as low as 62 parts per trillion (the equivalent of a drop of water in a half-dozen Olympic-sized swimming pools) is enough to break down the coral, killing the algae that give coral life and eventually bleach it white.
What is equally alarming is that oxybenzone is in more than 3,500 sunscreen products worldwide, including well-known brands such as Coppertone, Neutrogena, Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat and more. Yes, you just read that number right….3,500 BRANDS USE OXYBENZONE IN THEIR SUNSCREEN!
When created MANDA Organic Sun Paste, one of our main goals was to begin to educate people on this important environmental issue. And with the news of this report confirming what we have suspected for a while, the world is finally becoming aware of the damage these chemicals have on our environment.
Now, there is no excuse to consider a change in the sunscreen products that you choose to purchase.
If you think you use the best possible sunscreen, just double check the back of the bottle to see what exactly is in it. Does it have words that you cannot pronounce? If so, you might consider an alternative.
Your choice truly does matter. MANDA Organic Sun Paste is a physical sunscreen and contains ZERO chemicals, making it reef safe!
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If you haven’t seen the news on this report, read this for more info:
