[Coral-List] Recommendation of Coral-Safe Sunscreens and Banning Use of Coral-Damaging

[Colette w 6-Paq Scuba]

*Re: Recommendation of Coral-Safe Sunscreen for Upcoming Season and Events*

Oct 17, 2016

Dear Reef Connect:



Please help us protect our Coral Reefs.  Emerging research demonstrates
lethal effects of a common sunscreen ingredient, oxybenzone (benzophenone-3;
BP-3), on our treasured coral reef ecosystems. Please help us raise public
awareness on this critical reef effort.  We are asking for your help in
protecting our Coral Reefs, USVI



Coral Reefs are dying and necessary coral regrowth is not occurring because
of the effects of certain sunscreen chemicals. Please help us protect our
coral reef by changing your sunscreen and habits. If anyone remembers the
difference in the coral health at Trunk Bay, Buck Island, or Magens Bay
between 20 or 30 years ago and now, this is the damage we are studying:



*How EVERYONE Can Help:*

1. Apply your sunscreen before you leave for the beach or boat

2. Avoid or minimize use of spray sunscreens at the beach or boat.

3. Wear Sunscreen Shirts and Pants where possible

4. Choose a Sunscreen that doesn’t contain the worst offenders: Oxybenzone
and Octinoxate

5. Share this info with as many people as you can.

6. Sign a petition banning sunscreens with this chemicals at
https://www.change.org/p/ban-the-sale-of-coral-damagin-sunscreen-in-the-us-virgin-islands

7. For more information: https://protectrreefs.wordpress.com/

8. Like us on Facebook: Protect Our Coral Reefs, USVI



*Research on Toxic Effects:*

 Oxybenzone (a.k.a. benzophenone-3), a common chemical in sunscreens, has
been shown to increase the rate of coral bleaching, and to cause
deformities in coral larvae, making them unable to swim, settle, or form
new colonies.  Reefs exposed to high levels of these chemicals are no
longer growing or recovering from damage, whatever the cause.

 Sunscreen chemicals wash off of users when they enter the ocean,
particularly if sunscreen is applied just before getting into the water.

 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has detected oxybenzone in
more than 96 percent of the American population.  It causes allergic skin
reactions and may disrupt hormones.

 Research continues on other potentially harmful chemicals including
avobenzone,

octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, octinoxate, methoxycinnamate, camphors,

parabens, and nanoparticle form of certain minerals.

*State and International Support:*

 Scientists at the International Coral Reef Symposium (June 2016) and the
IUCN World Conservation Congress (September 2016) agreed on the negative
impacts of oxybenzone and other sunscreen chemicals on corals, and
recommended eliminating use near coral reefs.

 The Hawai’i Department of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR) is asking all
ocean users

to avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone, as indicated in a Sept. 2, 2016
press release.

 Hawaii State Senator Will Espero drafted legislation to ban oxybenzone
and other harmful ingredients, with a target date of 2018. We are working
towards similar legislation in the USVI.  In the meantime, we hope that
people if informed, would switch to more coral-safe screens.

*Recommended Coral-Safe (and Athlete-Safe) **Sunscreens:**A list of
recommended sunscreen products is provided on the next page. *Additional
options can be found at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website with
their 10th annual guide to sunscreens, listing many sunscreens which are
oxybenzone-free and effective for sun protection.

http://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/best-sunscreens/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/.

Please note that certain brands labeled “Reef Safe” may include oxybenzone
(e.g.

“Tropical Seas- Reef Safe” sunscreen), so we encourage users to read
labels. Preferred

sunscreen options include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in their active
ingredients, in

addition to wearing protective clothing.



We truly appreciate your support and assistance with our local coral reef
conservation efforts, and hope you will join our efforts to minimize the
use of oxybenzone -containing sunscreens and

promote coral-safe options during the upcoming season. Please share with as
many as you can!



Sincerely,

ProtectRreefs, USVI



*Recommended coral-safe (& athlete-safe) sunscreens*

*PLEASE USE RASH GUARDS to reduce the amount of sunscreen used as well.*



 *Alba Botanica: *Natural Mineral Protection Sunblock SPF 30

 *All Good: *Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 33 or Unscented Sunstick SPF 30

 *All Terrain: *AquaSport/ Terrasport/ Kidsport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30

 *Aveeno: *Active Naturals, Natural Protection Lotion, SPF 50

 *Aveeno: *Active Naturals, Natural Protection Baby, Lotion or Stick, SPF
50

 *Banana Boat: *Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

 *Banana Boat: *Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

 *Banana Boat: Sport* Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30+

 *Bare Republic: *Natural Mineral Sunscreen Sport/Kids Spray, SPF 30

 *Bare Republic: *Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Sport, SPF 50 or Face,
SPF 30

 *Coola Suncare: *Mineral Sunscreen Unscented, Baby, SPF 50

 *Coola Suncare: *Classic Sunscreen Unscented, Sport/Body/Face, SPF 30

 *CVS*: Baby Pure & Gentle Sunstick Sunscreen, SPF 60

 *Goddess Garden: *Natural Sunscreen Lotion: Sport/ Kids/ Baby, SPF 30

 *Goddess Garden: *Natural Sunscreen Continuous Spray: Sport/ Kids, SPF 30

 *The Honest Company: *Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50+

 *The Honest Company: *Mineral Sunscreen Spray or Stick, SPF 30

 *MyChelle Dermaceuticals: *Sun Shield Clear Stick, SPF 50

 *MyChelle Dermaceuticals: *Replenishing Solar Defense, SPF 30, or Sun
Shield, SPF 28

 *Neutrogena*: Pure & Free Liquid Sunscreen, SPF 50+

 *Neutrogena: *Pure & Free Baby Faces Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 45+ or Stick,
SPF 60+

 *Promise Organic: *Coconut Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30

 *Stream2Sea: *Mineral Sunscreen for Body/Sport/Face, SPF 30

 *ThinkSport: *Safe Sunscreen SPF 50



*List compiled by Hawaiian Organization Efforts to eliminate use of
sunscreens containing Oxybenzone and Octinoxate**.*



SIGN OUR PETITION TO BAN CORAL-DAMAGING SUNSCREENS CONTAINING OXYBENZONE
<https://www.change.org/p/ban-the-sale-of-coral-damagin-sunscreen-in-the-us-virgin-islands>


Colette w ProtectRreefs, USVI