A new study has found sunscreen chemicals in Mediterranean seagrass. UV filters absorbed by Posidonia oceanica could cause long-term damage to local ecosystems.
A new study suggests that sunscreen could be affecting our oceans.
Chemicals from popular sunscreen lotion brands have been found ‘accumulating’ in Mediterranean seagrass. Scientists discovered ultraviolet filters in the stems of a certain type of seagrass known as Posidonia oceanica, found on the coast of Mallorca.
Researchers believe the cause is likely to be tourism wastage in the local area, as samples included varying concentrations of sunscreen components. Oxybenzone, avobenzone 4-methyl, benzylidene camphor, benzophenone-4, and methyl parabens were all discovered.
The actual effects are unknown as of yet. Scientists do not have any indication on how severe the impact could be, though they do remain concerned.
In a statement, the study’s co-author Prof Nona Agawin said that ‘we will have a problem’ if sunscreen is found to affect the photosynthesis of seagrass. ‘Seagrasses play an important ecological role in the Mediterranean coasts.’
We’ve known for a while that using sunscreen can cause environmental problems – and not just for seagrass.
Certain UV-filtering sunscreen chemicals can damage fish, dolphins, and turtles. Reproductive systems can become disrupted, ultimately harming the development of young sea life.
The conclusion from the study is that, ultimately, more research needs to be done to understand how sunscreens and UV chemicals can affect seagrass meadows.
Agawin added that ‘if we find which sunscreen components are harmful, then we should regulate and provide alternatives’.
So, the news of sunscreen causing problems in our seas may tempt you to avoid using the stuff altogether. However, skin is still susceptible to damaging sunrays – so it’s best to continue protecting yourself if you do decide to head out on holiday.
There are various brands available that are oxybenzone and octinoxate free. Rolling Stone recommends Stream2Sea Sport, Supergoop!, Badger Clear Zinc, and a bunch more sustainable options. Check out the full list here.
Avoiding some holiday destinations could help to keep pollution levels down too, mind. A different research piece from 2020 noted that 267 million tourists visit the Mediterranean Sea every year and warns of the potential harm that accumulating sunscreen chemicals could cause.
We could be seeing sunscreen phased out from our shops in the near future, with eco-friendly alternatives providing as substitute.
I’m Charlie (He/Him), Deputy Editor and Senior Writer at Thred. I was previously the Editor full-time at Thred before moving to Bristol in 2024. I have since returned to London. As a music and gaming enthusiast, I’m a nerd for pop culture. You can find me curating playlists, designing article headline images, and sipping cider on a Thursday. Follow me on LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.
Last month, delegates, negotiators, observers, researchers, youth advocates, and representatives from civil society convened for the 64th sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn, Germany. Here are my main takeaways.
As I returned to Bonn during this year’s SB64, like most returning observers, I had expectations of technical meetings filled with dense negotiating texts and procedural debates.
Behind each...
On World Youth Skills Day, the UN has argued a changing job market calls for a new educational approach.
The world looks very different from a decade ago, when I was taking my A-Levels. Now young people are leaving school to a largely thankless job market, ill-equipped to accommodate the skills learnt through traditional education.
Technological development, the rise of AI, and a professional landscape transformed by remote working have...
The role has yet to be finalised or filled, but the government is already facing criticism over its decision to appoint a maternity commissioner.
The UK government has announced plans to appoint a maternity commissioner following ‘shocking’ failings in maternity care across England. Whoever takes on the new role will be responsible for spearheading an overhaul of the maternity healthcare system after a major review and sustained pressure from...
After pulling foreign assistance to African countries last year, Trump's government is again offering hundreds of millions in financial aid. But the support comes at a cost, and many nations aren't willing to pay it.
Ghana is the latest African country to turn down a new funding deal from the Trump administration, after the US president dismantled the governing body that oversaw foreign assistance during his second term.
Despite
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
0 comments
