Death of coral due to sunscreens

In 2003, Margret Schlumpf, W. Lichtensteiger and H. Frei (Hrsg.) presented extensive investigations of the effects of the large-scale use of synthetic sunscreens in their book entitled “Kosmetika, Wirkungen und Umweltverhalten von synthetischen Parfümstoffen und UV-Filtern”1 (published by Kind und Umwelt, 2003). According to this work, we are dually exposed via the skin and via the food chain, “As these generally fat-friendly compounds accumulate in foods containing fat, e.g. fish and human milk.”

The frightening scale of damage is described in new investigations by marine biologists which were presented to the public at the beginning of 2008. Scientists from the polytechnic university in Ancona, Italy, reached a clear conclusion: sun creams containing synthetic sunscreens pose a threat to coral reefs worldwide.

The impetus for investigations into the effects of sunscreens was provided by observations in Mexico: a high level of mortality was recorded among all life forms in the sea enclosed by the Yucatan Peninsular, which is highly frequented by holiday-makers.

The scientists from the university of Ancona were active throughout the world, in the Atlantic, the Indian and Pacific Oceans and the Red Sea. Their results are alarming and indicate that just 10 micro-litres of sun cream in a litre of sea water cause coral to lose its colour completely and turn pale within only four days. Particular problems are posed by the chemical sunscreens ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, benzophenone 3 and 4 and methylbenzylidene camphor. These are all sunscreens which are also under suspicion due to their hormonal effects. The final conclusion drawn by the scientists was that sunscreens contribute to a large extent worldwide to the destruction of the important and wonderful ecosystem. Experts are predicting that the number of coral reefs will decrease significantly. The introduction of counter-measures against sunscreens should be recommended on these grounds alone.