best baby sunscreen consumer reports 2018

In 2017 the nation of Palau reported on the levels of chemicals in ‘Jellyfish Lake’ and their environmental concerns on the matter. Multiple studies in 2013, found that Oxybenzone was directly contributing to the bleaching of coral. The viral infections resulted in coral bleaching, leaving them highly susceptible to death and at the mercy of other environmental factors like rising water temperatures. Here is a sample of some of the more popular research.Ī study done in 2008 concluded that sunscreen causes viral infections in coral reefs. Given the high-profile nature of the subject, much research has been conducted in this area in the last fifteen years. It's a small but significant step we can take to protect these fragile ecosystems and promote sustainable practices. The hope is that by using reef safe sunscreen, we can protect our marine environments, minimize coral bleaching, and help preserve the biodiversity and beauty of coral reefs. It should also be noted, much higher concentrations of the chemicals found in sunscreen, were found in shallower swimming areas. Certain sunscreen ingredients can persist for a very long time in the environment. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Environmental Persistence Research shows that there can be disruption of hormonal balances, growth impairment and other negative effects on development of the organism. Certain fish, sea turtles and various invertebrates have been shown to be affected as well. Unfortunately, our coral reefs are not the only ocean life affected. How does this relate to sunscreen? Chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are commonly found in chemical-based sunscreens, have been linked directly to coral bleaching. This can have devastating consequences for entire coral reef ecosystems and the marine life that depend on them. This causes them to turn white and become more susceptible to disease and death. The simplest explanation of coral bleaching is that when coral reefs expel/lose the symbiotic algae living within or on them. What damage does sunscreen really do to coral reefs and why is this so important for the environment? Coral Bleaching There is a lot of talk and reference to reef safe sunscreen, many cruise liners won’t allow customers to bring sunscreen onboard, if it is not clearly labelled reef safe. Really the best way to ensure you are being responsible in this area, is to either check all the ingredients are reef safe (assuming the company discloses them) or find a brand that genuinely cares about the environment. It's important to note that while the terms 'reef safe,' 'ocean safe,' 'reef friendly,' and 'ocean friendly' are used commonly, there is no worldwide, national or universal standards for their use, and thereby nothing to verify them. However, there really is no regulated distinction between the two terms. Some suggest that the term friendly, means that it’s better than reef safe, some suggest that it assumes less responsibility. These terms also suggest that the sunscreen has been formulated to be non-damaging to coral reefs and ocean life. Typically, this means that the sunscreens do not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, the two most known chemicals believed to damage coral reefs. These terms imply that the sunscreen has been formulated to be safe for coral reefs and ocean life.

All refer generally to sunscreens that are designed to minimize their environmental impact on coral reefs and marine life. The terms 'reef safe,' 'ocean safe,' 'reef friendly,' and 'ocean friendly' are frequently used interchangeably.

What Does Reef Safe or Friendly Mean? Is There a Difference in the Terms? Let’s start by explaining what the terms mean. With this estimation, came a lot of talk and references to reef safe sunscreen, to the point that many cruise liners won’t allow customers to bring sunscreen onboard unless it’s clearly labelled reef safe or reef friendly.īut what is it? Why should you use it? And how do we know it helps the environment? Did you know that it’s estimated over 14,000 tons 1 of sunscreen enter waterways worldwide every year, both from wastewater runoff and normal sunscreen use.

Best baby sunscreen consumer reports 2018