Coral: Palau to ban sunscreen products to protect reefs

[grulla]

Matt McGrath
November 1, 2018

Palau is set to become the first country to impose a widespread ban on sunscreen in an effort to protect its vulnerable coral reefs.
The government has signed a law that restricts the sale and use of sunscreen and skincare products that contain a list of ten different chemicals.
Researchers believe that these ingredients are highly toxic to marine life, and can make coral more susceptible to bleaching.
The ban comes into force in 2020. In a statement, Palau's President Tommy Remengesau said the ban, which would see fines of $1,000 (£760) for retailers who violated the law, was timely.

Continue at: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46046064

[grulla]

And sunscreen can be bad for people as well as reefs.
https://thewellnesswayclinics.com/sunscreen-choices/

[Islander]

What great news! Let us hope that other countries follow Palau's example!

[Maurya]

There has been quite a lot of press about sunscreens around here, as our reefs are greatly at risk. I would love to see a ban put into place.

[Islander]

I feel certain that any attempt to ban sunscreen in the USA would be met with howls of anger from the manufacturers. And from the public, as in, "OMG, the sun will give us all cancer!" Seriously, I have heard well-educated people make that claim.

[Maurya]

Yep, so have I. Even around here, where people should know better.