Toby Hudson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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 of the substances that make up a mixture.]]. 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::A coral is a small animal that lives at the bottom of the ocean. Corals stay in one place and can't move around.]]. 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::To completely stop the use of something]].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.
Quick Revision
The sun gives us light and warmth, but its UV rays can harm our skin and cause diseases.
Sunscreen blocks UV rays so our skin doesn’t get damaged.
Many sunscreens contain oxybenzone, a chemical that harms corals when it mixes with ocean water.
Oxybenzone makes corals lose color and die, which also harms fish and marine life.
