Sunscreen threatens corals

According to a European Commission (EC) research group, creamy ultraviolet filters are used to protect the skin that causes the loss of color of coral reefs in the world.

Coral reefs are biologically useful as well as creating a diversity of ecosystems, directly feeding half a billion people on earth. However, 60% of these coral reefs are threatened by climate change, industrial pollution and ultraviolet radiation.

Research by EC scientists, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives (USA), has put sunscreen on the list of dangerous agents and predicts about 10% of the world's coral reefs could be lost. color due to sunscreen.

Ingredients of sunscreen and other skin protection products are found near the sea and freshwater tourist areas. Previous studies have shown that these chemicals can accumulate in aquatic animals and decompose into toxic products.

Sunscreen is thought to be one of the main causes of coral color loss.(Photo: NOAA)

In a recent study, scientists at the University of Pisa (Italy) examined the impact of 3 sunscreen brands on seawater surrounding coral reefs in Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand and Egypt. They found that a small amount of sunscreen also had a devastating effect on coral reefs within 18 to 48 hours. Within 96 hours, coral bleaching took place. The number of viruses in seawater around coral branches also increased by 15 times compared to normal.

According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), about 78 million people discover coral reefs every year, and it is estimated that about 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen are used in coral reef areas. with about 25% of sunscreen ingredients being absorbed into the water after visitors soak in the sea for about 20 minutes.