Photo: iStockphoto
Up to 6,000 tons of sunscreen wash off of ocean swimmers each year, posing a threat to up to 10 percent of global coral reefs, according to a new study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. Four common sunscreen chemicals can awaken dormant viruses in coral-dwelling algae, with results of horror-movie proportions: the viruses replicate to the point that the algae explode, spilling the viruses into surrounding seawater and infecting neighboring coral populations. The algae, called zooxanthellae, provide coral with food energy and contribute to reefs' bright colors; without zooxanthellae, the coral bleach and die. So burn, baby, burn -- or, better yet, seek out a nontoxic sun lotion.
source: National Geographic News
see also, in Grist:Coral reefs suffer from proximity to humans, says study
see also, in Grist:A reef-protection crusader answers questions
Obama headed to Copenhagen, sets the bar for success
‘Copenhagen Diagnosis’ offers a grim update to the IPCC’s climate science
Comments
View as Flat
tidal Posted 8:59 am
13 Feb 2008
Permalink
KevinMichael Posted 3:12 pm
13 Feb 2008
Permalink
Wolverine Posted 3:32 pm
13 Feb 2008
However, even this sunscreen contains micronized zinc oxide, which is persistent and bioaccumulative in wildlife, seems to have broad systemic effects at moderate doses, and may be ecotoxic.
A better idea would be to slowly get used to the sun and tan naturally, eschewing sunscreen altogether.
Permalink
Tasermons Partner Posted 4:38 pm
13 Feb 2008
Permalink
Matt Posted 10:11 pm
13 Feb 2008
Contrary to popular belief, oceans do not circulate quickly, nor do pollutants instantly disperse.
So, if swimmers are playing near corals, they will receive a higher dose due to proximity.
I have to wonder, though, if this is because of misapplication of sunscreen. Shouldn't swimmers wait 10-20 minutes to allow the stuff to absorb into the skin before getting into the water anyway?
Permalink