Problems

-four common parts of sunscreen have been found to reactivate former viruses in coral reef species
-the chemicals in sunscreen cause the viruses to replicate, eventually causing the algae to explode
-the viruses then spill into the ocean water and come into contact with other coral organisms
-4,000 to 6,000 metric tons of sunscreen wash off swimmers
-even low levels of sunscreen could bleach the coral in 4 days
-a very small dose of sunscreen is as dangerous as a high amount of exposure
-to reduce swimmers effects of coral reefs they should use sunscreens with physical filters, which reflect instead of absorb ultraviolet radiation; and use eco-friendly chemical sunscreens.Use sunscreens with physical filters, which reflect instead of absorb ultraviolet radiation; and use eco-friendly chemical sunscreens.


Four common sunscreen ingredients were shown to cause complete coral bleaching within a few days, even at very low concentrations (33 parts per million). They are:
• Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) – Sunscreen with several suspected human health effects.
• Butylparaben - Preservative with several suspected human health effects.
• Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) - Sunscreen with several suspected human health effects.
• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4MBC) - Sunscreen with several suspected human health effects. Allowed in Europe and Canada, not in USA or Japan.
Up to 10% of the world's coral reefs may be threatened by sunscreen induced coral bleaching.


-25 percent of sunscreen applied runs into the water within 20 minutes


-tourists who wear sunscreen may be contributing the death of the Great Barrier Reef
-10% of coral reefs are threatened by bleaching caused by chemicals found in sunscreen
-a quarter of coral reefs are in immediate danger of collapsing due to human effects