We’ve always been told that using sunscreen is the best way to protect ourselves from skin cancer.
But what if we told you that by protecting ourselves, we are damaging the environment?
But the trouble with both chemicals is that research shows they have a devastating impact on coral reefs.
“Eighty-five percent of the Caribbean coral reefs died before 1999 or 2000.
That wasn’t global warming.
It’s pollution,” environmental scientist Craig A. Downs tellsTravel and Leisure.
He added in just a few hours, oxybenzone from sunscreen can cause deformities and bleaching in coral reefs.
We are now left to wonder what reef-safe alternatives we might be able to use for sunblocks.
Think of how much less sunscreen you are using," Downs says.
Mineral-based sunscreens, with non-nano titanium dioxide, also appear to be safer for reefs.
