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2/25/2017 7:15 am  #1


Hawaii wants to ban chemical sunscreens to save the coral reefs

Hawaii wants to ban chemical sunscreens to save the coral reefs

Sunscreen may be good for your skin, but some kinds are not necessarily the best for the environment

Last month, Will Espero, a Hawaiian state senator, proposed a bill that would ban the sale of chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate across the islands. Prescriptions for the sunscreen would be allowed.

Why? A ton of sunscreen winds up in the global coral reef system every year — 14,000 tons, to be exact — and research indicates that oxybenzone can lead to coral bleaching. Some studies suggest one drop is even enough to damage the reefs.

To those who know the underwater world well, this isn’t new news. Many divers are warned to steer clear of chemical sunscreens — when we swim, after all, lotion can bleed off onto the reefs.

According to Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources, "researchers have found oxybenzone concentrations in some Hawaiian waters at more than 30 times the level considered safe for corals."

The beaches of Maui, specifically, have already suffered the consequences, reports Scientific American.

Of course, the bill isn’t a suggestion to skip SPF on the sunny beaches of Hawaii. After all, there are two kinds of sunblock: Chemical blockers use ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate to absorb UV radiation from the sun, preventing it from causing damage. But physical (or mineral) sunscreens, with ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, block UVA and UVB rays from ever reaching your skin; and the National Park Service says these have not been found to harm the reefs.

Even better: Dermatologists agree that physical blocks are gentler on your skin. Good for you, good for the environment, and no painful sunburns in sight? We’d say that’s a win-win(-win).

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2017/02/24/hawaii-wants-to-ban-chemical-sunscreens-to-save-coral-reefs.html

Last edited by Goose (2/25/2017 7:16 am)


We live in a time in which decent and otherwise sensible people are surrendering too easily to the hectoring of morons or extremists. 
 

2/25/2017 9:05 am  #2


Re: Hawaii wants to ban chemical sunscreens to save the coral reefs

Chemical sun blocks have long been frowned upon in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sightseeing and dive boat operators to reef areas like Cane Bay and Buck Island instruct customers about which sunblocks are acceptable for use and the potential damage they may do to the reef.

Of course, with our new EPA administrator, using any derivation of "protection" will soon be absolved from the agency's area of responsibility. So, the reefs will be on their own.

 

2/25/2017 10:28 am  #3


Re: Hawaii wants to ban chemical sunscreens to save the coral reefs

When we were in the Galápagos Islands snorkeling and diving the guides were helpful at guiding us as to what to use and not use. It really isn't a big deal to look out to protect the environment.
Of course, the party that once sponsored the "Lightbulb Freedom Act" will find a way to play this up.


We live in a time in which decent and otherwise sensible people are surrendering too easily to the hectoring of morons or extremists. 
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