Sunscreen and Coral

CREDITS | By William F. Precht
Scuba divers are unofficial guardians of the world’s coral reefs. Early in our training we are taught to avoid touching the reef — that the potential harm caused by a careless fin kick or contact with the bottom may contribute to a reef’s degradation and jeopardize the ecosystem services it provides. These vital services include protection of tropical shorelines from erosion, production of food for hundreds of millions of people, storage of a wealth of bio-active compounds with potential medical applications and provision of income from economically significant nonextractive activities such as diving and ecotourism.
Despite divers’ training and love of coral ecosystems, however, some heavily visited reefs are degrading faster than ones visited less frequently. But rather than accidental contact, the major contributing factor to these declines is sunscreen pollution.
The first study to show a direct link between sunscreen and coral mortality, published in 2008, revealed that the active compounds in sunscreens can cause bleaching and eventual death of the coral animal by promoting viral infections.1 In 2011 a study of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef showed that coral diseases were 15 times more prevalent at reefs with offshore tourism infrastructure than at nearby reefs without such infrastructure.2 In 2015 several published studies showed that sunscreens containing oxybenzone, a benzophenone, can cause direct harm to corals. (Benzophenones are also linked to health problems in humans, inducing allergic reactions and endocrine disorders.) These experimental studies found that when oxybenzone — even at extremely low concentrations and dosages — comes into direct contact with corals, the result is usually death of the coral.
Researchers throughout the tropics are observing considerable levels of oxybenzone in water samples taken from heavily visited beaches and dive sites. Studies are ongoing to determine if corals at sites with measurable levels of oxybenzone in the water column are more prone to bleaching, disease, tumors, lesions and infection than those in areas where these compounds are below detectable levels.
While the risk to corals at heavily visited reef sites is disturbing, this mounting scientific research has not gone unrecognized. In January 2017, Hawaii state senator Will Espero introduced a bill (SB 1150) in the Hawaii state legislature to ban the sale of sunscreens that contain active ingredients known to harm corals and other reef animals. Although this bill did not come up for a vote in this year’s legislative session, it helped to elevate this important issue in environmental policymaking — in Hawaii and beyond.
What Can Divers Do?
Ultraviolet solar radiation is a well-known health risk factor, and divers should use sunscreen to reduce their risk of skin cancer. Limit the amount of sunscreen you use by covering up and seeking shade when possible. Avoid using or buying sunscreens with ingredients that have been shown to harm coral.
Be aware that not all products that claim to be “reef safe” truly are. Carefully read labels and check ingredients before you buy. Especially avoid sunscreens that contain oxybenzone; instead choose mineral-based sunscreens such as
and titanium dioxide.
Although these individual efforts may not save coral reefs from their current plight on a global scale, divers should do everything we can to protect the reefs we love, one coral at a time.
References
Scuba divers are unofficial guardians of the world’s coral reefs. Early in our training we are taught to avoid touching the reef — that the potential harm caused by a careless fin kick or contact with the bottom may contribute to a reef’s degradation and jeopardize the ecosystem services it provides. These vital services include protection of tropical shorelines from erosion, production of food for hundreds of millions of people, storage of a wealth of bio-active compounds with potential medical applications and provision of income from economically significant nonextractive activities such as diving and ecotourism.
Despite divers’ training and love of coral ecosystems, however, some heavily visited reefs are degrading faster than ones visited less frequently. But rather than accidental contact, the major contributing factor to these declines is sunscreen pollution.
The first study to show a direct link between sunscreen and coral mortality, published in 2008, revealed that the active compounds in sunscreens can cause bleaching and eventual death of the coral animal by promoting viral infections.1 In 2011 a study of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef showed that coral diseases were 15 times more prevalent at reefs with offshore tourism infrastructure than at nearby reefs without such infrastructure.2 In 2015 several published studies showed that sunscreens containing oxybenzone, a benzophenone, can cause direct harm to corals. (Benzophenones are also linked to health problems in humans, inducing allergic reactions and endocrine disorders.) These experimental studies found that when oxybenzone — even at extremely low concentrations and dosages — comes into direct contact with corals, the result is usually death of the coral.
Researchers throughout the tropics are observing considerable levels of oxybenzone in water samples taken from heavily visited beaches and dive sites. Studies are ongoing to determine if corals at sites with measurable levels of oxybenzone in the water column are more prone to bleaching, disease, tumors, lesions and infection than those in areas where these compounds are below detectable levels.
While the risk to corals at heavily visited reef sites is disturbing, this mounting scientific research has not gone unrecognized. In January 2017, Hawaii state senator Will Espero introduced a bill (SB 1150) in the Hawaii state legislature to ban the sale of sunscreens that contain active ingredients known to harm corals and other reef animals. Although this bill did not come up for a vote in this year’s legislative session, it helped to elevate this important issue in environmental policymaking — in Hawaii and beyond.
What Can Divers Do?
Ultraviolet solar radiation is a well-known health risk factor, and divers should use sunscreen to reduce their risk of skin cancer. Limit the amount of sunscreen you use by covering up and seeking shade when possible. Avoid using or buying sunscreens with ingredients that have been shown to harm coral.
Be aware that not all products that claim to be “reef safe” truly are. Carefully read labels and check ingredients before you buy. Especially avoid sunscreens that contain oxybenzone; instead choose mineral-based sunscreens such as
and titanium dioxide.
Although these individual efforts may not save coral reefs from their current plight on a global scale, divers should do everything we can to protect the reefs we love, one coral at a time.
References
- Danovaro R, Bongiorni L, Corinaldesi C, et al. Sunscreens cause coral bleaching by promoting viral infections. Environ Health Perspect. 2008 April; 116(4):441–447.
- Lamb JB, Willis BL. Using coral disease prevalence to assess the effects of concentrating tourism activities on offshore reefs in a tropical marine park. Conserv Biol. 2011 Oct.; 25(5):1044-52.
Posted in Alert Diver Spring Editions
Tagged with Sun protection, sunscreen lotion, Benzophenones, Non-nano zinc oxide, zinc oxide
Tagged with Sun protection, sunscreen lotion, Benzophenones, Non-nano zinc oxide, zinc oxide
Categories
2021
March
Old Habits Die HardSave a Diver, Save YourselfCylinder SafetyUndercover CrabsReef safe sunscreenPhysics, Biophysics and Decompression SicknessModels and Marine LifeSunscreen and CoralCristina Mittermeier: Commitment to ConservationDiving After a StrokeCurrent DivesThis Bites: Prevention TreatmentEnvironmental Considerations for Disinfection
2020
January
February
Group Fitness at the PoolHow to Rescue a Distressed diver at the SurfaceHow to manage Near-DrowningNo Sit-ups no problem How to manage MalariaHow to manage Oxygen Deficiency (Hypoxia)What to do when confronted by a sharkHow to manage Scombroid PoisoningHow to perform a Deep Diver RescueHow to perform One-rescuer CPRHow to perform a Neurological Assessment
March
DAN’s Quick Guide to Properly Disinfecting Dive GearCOVID-19 : Prevention Recommendations for our Diving CommunityGermophobia? - Just give it a reasonable thoughtScuba Equipment care – Rinsing and cleaning diving equipmentCOVID-19 and DAN MembershipFurther limitations imposed on travels and considerations on diving activitiesDAN Membership COVID-19 FAQsLancet COVID-19 South African Testing SitesCOVID-19 No Panic Help GuideGetting Decompression Sickness while FreedivingDown in the DumpsCardiovascular Disease and DivingDelayed Off-GassingDiving after Dental surgeryDiving with Multiple MedicationsPygmy Seahorses: Life AquaticAfrica DustCOVID-19 Myth BustersScuba Units Are Not Suitable Substitutes for VentilatorsDisinfection of Scuba Equipment and COVID-19Physioball Stability Exercises
April
COVID-19 AdvisoryScuba Equipment Care - Drying & Storing Your GearTransporting Diving Lights & BatteriesHow to Pivot Your Message During a CrisisTourism Relief FundCOVID-19 Business Support ReviewDiving After COVID-19: What We Know TodayEUBS-ECHM Position Statement on Diving ActivitiesPart 2: COVID-19 Business Support ReviewPress Release
May
Diving in the Era of COVID-19Dive Operations and COVID-19: Prepping for ReturnCOVID-19 & Diving Activities: 10 Safety RecommendationsCOVID-19: Surface Survival TimesThe Philippines at its FinestThe Logistics of ExplorationThe Art of the Underwater SelfieShooter: Douglas SeifertFAQs Answered: Disinfecting Scuba EquipmentStock your First-Aid KitResearch and OutreachCovid-19 ResearchOut of the BlueEffects of Aspirin on DivingThe New Pointy end of DivingDiving and Hepatitis CCaissons, Compressed-Air work and Deep TunnellingPreparing to Dive in the New NormalNew Health Declaration Form Sample Addressing C-19 IssuesDiving After COVID 19: What Divers Need to Know
June
Travel Smarter: PRE-TRIP VACCINATIONSAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and DivingCOVID-19: Updated First Aid Training Recommendations From DANDiving with a Purpose in National Marine SanctuariesStay Positive Through the PandemicFor the Dive Operator: How to Protect Your Staff & ClientsStudying Deep reefs and Deep diversAsking the Right QuestionsLung squeeze under cold diving conditions
July
Dive DeprivationVolunteer Fish Surveys: Engage DiversDAN Member Profile: Mehgan Heaney-GrierTravel Smarter: Don’t Cancel, Reschedule InsteadDive Boat Fire SafetyRay of HopePartner ExercisesDiving at AltitudeAluminium ExposureHip FracturesAcoustic NeuromaGuidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to DiveNew Dive Medical Forms
August
Women in Diving: Lauren Arthur, Conservationist & Natural History Story TellerWomen in Diving: Dr Sara Andreotti White Shark ResearcherTiming ExerciseWomen in Diving: The Salty Wanderer, Charlie WarlandWomen in Diving: Beth Neale, Aqua soul of freedivingWomen in Diving: Diving and spearfishing Diva, Jean HattinghWomen in Diving: Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid
September
October
Freediving For ScienceStep Exercises with CardioFluorescence Imaging help Identify Coral BleachingChildren and DivingThe Watchman device and divingScuba Diving and Factor V Leiden gene mutationNitrogen Narcosis at shallow depthsOil and Particulates: Safe levels in Breathing Air at depthDive Principles for Coping with COVID-19The Importance of a Predive Safety CheckTalya Davidoff: the 'Plattelandse Meisie' Freediver
2019
February
April
May
DAN Press ReleaseYour Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 1Your Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 2Aural HygieneDCS AheadHow Divers Can Help with coral conservationRed Tide and shellfish poisoningDiving after Kidney DonationDiving with hypertrophic cardiomyopathyEmergency Underwater Oxygen Recompression
June
July
September
October
November
Exercise drills with DowelsHeart-rate TrainingCultivating ConservationTRavel Smarter : Evaluating an unfamiliar Dive operatorChallenging the Frontiers of Decompression ResearchTravel Smarter: Plan for Medical EmergenciesWhen should I call my Doctor?DAN Student Medical Expense CoverageAdvice, Support and a LifelineWetsuits and heat stressDiving after Chiropractic adjustments
2018
April
Flying after pool diving FAQLung squeeze while freediving FAQDiving after Bariatric surgery FAQMarine injuries FAQVasovagal Syncope unpredictable FAQIncident report procedure FAQDiving after knee surgery FAQDiving when in RemissionDive with orbital Implant FAQInert gas washout FAQOxygen ears FAQPost Decompression sicknessChildren and diving. The real concerns.Diving after SurgeryPhysiology of Decompresssion sickness FAQDiving and regular exerciseGordon Hiles - I am an Underwater Cameraman and Film MakerScuba Air QualityBreath-hold diving. Part 3: The Science Bit!Compensation Legislation and the Recreational DiverCape Town DivingFive pro tips for capturing better images in cold waterThe Boat Left Without You: Now What?
May
When things go wrongEmergency Planning: Why Do We Need It?Breath-hold diving: Running on reserve -Part 5 Learning to RebreatheSweet Dreams: When Can I Resume Diving Post Anaesthesia?Investing in the future of reefsTo lie or not to lie?THE STORY OF A RASH AFTER A DIVEFirst Aid KitsTaravana: Fact or Falacy?
June
Oxygen Unit MaintenanceKnow Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 1Know Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 2Emergency Oxygen unitsInjuries due to exposure - HypothermiaInjuries due to exposure - Altitude sicknessInjuries due to Exposure - Dehydration and other concernsHow to plan for your dive tripThe Future of Dive MedicinePlastic is Killing our ocean
September
Return to DivingDiagnoses: Pulmonary blebSide effects of Rectogesic ointmentDiving with ChemotherapyReplacing dive computers and BCDsCustomize Your First-Aid KitPlan for medical emergenciesHow the dive Reflex protects the brain and heartDry suits and skin BendsAltitude sickness and DCSScuba Diving and Life Expectancy
2017
March
April
Incident Insight: TriageA Field Guide to Minor MishapsSnorkels: Pros & ConsTime & RecoveryMedication & Drug UseDiving with CancerNitrox FAQCOPD FAQHyperbaric Chamber FAQJet Lag FAQHydration FAQAnticoagulant Medication FAQFluid in the Ear FAQEye Surgery FAQElderly Divers FAQNitrogen FAQHealth Concerns FAQMotion Sickness FAQMicronuclei FAQ
June
August
2016
February
March
Breath-Hold Diving & ScubaReturn to Diving After DCITiming Exercise & DivingHot Tubs After DivingSubcutaneous EmphysemaIn-Water RecompressionDiving at AltitudeFlying After DivingDiving After FlyingThe Risks of Diabetes & DivingFlu-like Symptoms Following a DiveHand & Foot EdemaFrontal HeadachesBladder DiscomfortLatex AllergiesRemember to BreatheProper Position for Emergency CareAches & PainsCell Phones While DrivingSurfers Ear Ear Ventilation TubesDealing with Ear ProblemsDiving with Existing Ear InjuriesPerforated Ear DrumENT SurgeryUnpluggedCochlear ImplantsPortuguese Man-of-WarJellyfish StingsLionfish, Scorpionfish & Stonefish EnvenomationsStingray Envenomation Coral Cuts, Scrapes and RashesSpeeding & Driving Behaviour
June
Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose DeteriorationItching & rash go away & come back!7 Things we did not know about the oceanMigraine HeadacheAttention Deficit Disorder Cerebral Vascular AccidentEpilepsyCerebral PalsyHistory of SeizuresMultiple Sclerosis Head TraumaBreast Cancer & Fitness to Dive IssuesLocal Allergic ReactionsSea LiceHow ocean pollution affects humans Dive Fatality & Lobster Mini-Season StatisticsPregnancy & DivingReturn to Diving After Giving BirthBreast Implants & DivingMenstruation During Diving ActivitiesOral Birth ControlBreast FeedingPremenstrual SyndromeOsteoporosisThe Aftermath of Diving IncidentsCompensation Legislation & the Recreational DiverNoise-Induced Hearing LossLegal MattersThe Nature of Liability & DivingDAN Legal NetworkWaivers, Children & Solo DivingHealthy, but overweight!Taking Medication while Scuba DivingGetting Fit for the Dive SeasonBone Considerations in Young DiversAsthma and Scuba DivingHepatitisDiving with HyperglycemiaShoulder PainDiving After Spinal Back Surgery
August
Hazard Identification & Risk AssessmentCaring For Your People Caring For Your FacilitiesCaring For Your BusinessScuba Air Quality Part 1Scuba Air Quality Part 2Chamber Maintenance Part 1Chamber Maintenance Part 2The Aging Diver Propeller SafetyRelease The PressureDon't Get LostMore Water, Less Bubbles13 Ways to Run Out of Air & How Not To7 Mistakes Divers Make & How To Avoid ThemSafety Is In The AirHow Good Is Your Emergency Plan
2015
January
March