Hawaii bans sale of sunscreens with coral-harming chemicals | Inquirer News

Hawaii bans sale of sunscreens with coral-harming chemicals

/ 07:38 AM July 04, 2018

People enjoy the water at Baby Makapuu beach in Honolulu. (AFP FILE PHOTO/NICHOLAS KAMM)

HONOLULU — Hawaii Gov. David Ige has signed a legislation that will ban the sale of sunscreens containing two chemicals believed to harm coral reefs.

Tuesday’s signing makes Hawaii the first US state to enact a ban on oxybenzone and octinoxate. The prohibition takes effect in 2021.

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Scientists have found the two substances can be toxic to coral, which are a vital part of the ocean ecosystem and a popular draw for tourists.

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Consumers will instead have to buy reef-safe sunscreens lacking the chemicals.

Critics said there are not enough independent scientific studies supporting the assertion that the chemicals harm coral reefs.

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The group Retail Merchants of Hawaii said it is concerned the ban will discourage people from buying sunscreen at brick and mortar stores. /kga

 

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TAGS: ban, chemical, Conservation, coral reef, Ecosystem, environment, Hawaii, octinoxate, oxybenzone, sunscreen, Tourism

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