An environmental group is petitioning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ban the coral-killing chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate from sunscreens and other personal care products, because they contribute to coral bleaching and death.
The petition filed on May 23 by the Center for Biological Diversity follows a similar measure approved May 1 by Hawaii’s legislature. Coral reefs in Hawaii have been harmed by acidification and pollution from man-made chemicals and coastal runoff.
Oxybenzone and octinoxate can foster viral infections in corals that hasten bleaching and death. Scientists estimated that up to 14,000 tons of sunscreen lotion enter coral reefs around the world every year. The impact of sunscreen chemicals is stronger on vulnerable coral’s larvae.
Lab studies have shown that even a miniscule amount of oxybenzone in the water is toxic to corals.
The petition also urges the FDA to examine the environmental impacts of the two chemicals under the National Environmental Policy Act.
