Sunscreen Chemicals Threaten Coral Reefs

Bill Machon
coral-200.jpg

Four common ingredients found in common sunscreens are fatally threatening coral reefs worldwide. The chemicals awaken dormant viruses that are found in the algae that inhabit coral reefs. It's estimated that up to 6,000 tons of sunscreen pollute the world's oceans annually.

Photo courtesy Flickr user laszlo-photo

 

Comments

the first to go

Submitted by Bridget Algiere on Fri, 02/29/2008 - 16:21.
Methinks the oceans will be the first to go, as we people don't live within them most of our days. Its a 'you don't need your water 'till the well is gone' thing, or a 'out of sight, out of mind' thing, or a 'we're ruining our planet and we don't care' thing. So sad. Reefs are such fragile ecosystems, and so beautiful. We could learn much from them, and it looks like they'll be gone before we can repair what we have done.

"The only thing constant in life is change" -François de la Rochefoucauld

more info, please

Submitted by Stella Osorojos on Fri, 02/29/2008 - 18:33.
What chemicals in particular? So that we can vet our sunscreen more compassionately..?