Is there a need to protect ourselves from the sun?
We have learned that the sun gives us many things. Its light keeps us warm and helps plants make their food. Without the sun, our Earth would also freeze!
While the sun is very helpful, it can also give out harmful rays called UV rays. These harmful rays really hurt and burn our skin. They can even cause serious skin diseases.
How does sunscreen protect us?
Sunscreen makes sure our skin does not soak up the harmful UV rays of the sun. It blocks the sun out! (that’s why we also call it sunblock!).
Sunscreen is made of many ingredients. One ingredient used in many sunscreens is called oxybenzone. For many years, people have believed it to be harmful to the ocean.
So, what’s the problem?
When people go to the beach, they put on a lot of sunscreen and go for a swim in the ocean. The sunscreen on their bodies then mixes with the ocean water. Now, scientists have been able to confirm that sunscreens with oxybenzone are poisoning corals. It makes corals lose their bright, beautiful colours and then slowly die.
Coral reefs are collections of these corals. Coral reefs are home to many fish - remember ‘Finding Nemo’!
So, is anyone doing something to keep corals safe?
Many countries have taken action to save their coral reefs. Island countries like Hawaii and Aruba have banned sunscreens from using oxybenzone in the last few years.
In 2021, Australia - home to the Great Barrier Reef - also banned these sunscreens. Did you know that the Great Barrier Reef is so big that it can be seen from outer space? But sadly, this could change soon!
Can I do something to protect myself and the coral reefs?
We can do this by making sure to use sunscreen that does not have oxybenzone in it. This sunscreen will still protect us. This way, we stay safe and so do our corals! Through small actions like these, we can save our planet.
