Most suncream sold in the UK contains chemicals which have toxic effects on the environment.
Research has shown that these chemicals act as hormone disruptors; changing fish behaviour, causing animals to stop reproducing and killing coral larvae.
Research has shown that these chemicals act as hormone disruptors; changing fish behaviour, causing animals to stop reproducing and killing coral larvae.
REEFS ARE PREDICTED TO DECLINE 90% BY 2050
Corals which are exposed to Oxybenzone bleach at a lower temperature than normal. Coral larvae grow deformed or encase themselves in their own skeleton. 25% of all known marine species rely on coral reefs. Our oceans are worth $24 trillion dollars... so we think they're worth protecting.
jUST ONE DROP OF OXYBENZONE IN 6 OLYMPIC SIZE SWIMMING POOLS CAN damage coral.
Aproximatly 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen enter the water around reefs each year
Once these chemicals are in the ocean, they are filtered out of the water by animals like clams, oysters and plankton. As these animals get eaten the chemicals build up through the food chain, finally affecting fish and marine mammals.
Even if you're nowhere near the sea, sunscreen washes from your shower, through water treatment plants, into freshwater sources and out to the sea.
Sewage is the largest source of sunscreen chemicals heading into the ocean.
Scientists can detect these chemicals in your urine just 20 minutes.
Even if you're nowhere near the sea, sunscreen washes from your shower, through water treatment plants, into freshwater sources and out to the sea.
Sewage is the largest source of sunscreen chemicals heading into the ocean.
Scientists can detect these chemicals in your urine just 20 minutes.
It's important to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage
The sun naturally emits ultraviolet radiation (UV) that is responsible for both sunburn and ageing. You can't feel the UV damage and the heat from the sun comes from infrared rays, which is why you can still burn on cool days.
Cancer Research UK report that in the UK almost 9 in 10 cases of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, could be prevented through enjoying the sun safely and avoiding sunbeds.
Even getting sunburnt once every 2 years can triple your risk of skin cancer so you should wear a broad spectrum sunscreen that is at least SPF 15, cover up with clothing and spend time in the shade.
Cancer Research UK report that in the UK almost 9 in 10 cases of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, could be prevented through enjoying the sun safely and avoiding sunbeds.
Even getting sunburnt once every 2 years can triple your risk of skin cancer so you should wear a broad spectrum sunscreen that is at least SPF 15, cover up with clothing and spend time in the shade.