Ban Toxic Sunscreen Chemicals And Protect Our Coral Reefs
1,342 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: Free The Ocean
Sunscreen could be silently killing reefs and the creatures who make coral their home. Help us call for action and defend marine life!
Coral reefs shape vibrant underwater worlds that host thousands of marine species. They offer shelter and feeding grounds for fish, crustaceans, and other creatures1. These environments also form natural barriers along coastlines, which lowers the risk of devastating storm surges and property damage1.
Coastal towns gain economic advantages through tourism, and local populations rely on healthy fisheries for livelihoods. Researchers view reefs as indicators of overall ocean health, because a damaged reef often signals dangerous conditions that harm other marine life.
A thriving reef signals balanced ecosystems and strong biodiversity. The disappearance of these habitats threatens food security in coastal regions and undermines cultural identities linked to marine environments.
The Threat of Sunscreen
Scientists confirm that certain sunscreen products contain ingredients that undermine reef health. Oxybenzone and octinoxate lead to coral bleaching by disrupting coral DNA and reproductive cycles2.
Approximately 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen chemicals enter marine environments every year when swimmers apply these products1.
Even minimal contact with these substances impairs coral larvae, which reduces future reef growth. Some formulas include compounds that increase hydrogen peroxide in seawater2, a reaction that eliminates key algae and plankton species at the base of the food web.
These pressures pile onto other threats, such as rising ocean temperatures and pollution. Reefs weakened by multiple stressors often experience slow recovery or permanent collapse.
A Collective Solution
Certain island destinations ban sunscreens with harmful filters to protect reefs3. Hawaii, Key West, and parts of Mexico use these measures to allow coral ecosystems to heal.
Mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide provide alternatives that block ultraviolet rays without toxic side effects3.
Experts favor non-nano varieties, because nano particles may enter marine organisms. Opting for reef-friendly products has direct benefits for fish populations, tourism, and local economies4.
Environmental groups urge travelers and residents to check ingredient labels. Small decisions at the store counter steer industries toward healthier formulations. Individuals can urge retailers and manufacturers to remove oxybenzone and octinoxate from their shelves, which eases the burden on marine habitats.
Sign the Petition
Public support is crucial to stop the widespread use of damaging sunscreen chemicals. A ban on oxybenzone and octinoxate would protect corals that shield coastlines from storms and preserve marine biodiversity for future generations2. Local economies rely on healthy reefs to drive tourism and ensure dependable fishing grounds3. Without decisive action, reefs may slip into irreversible decline.
The measure also promises better health outcomes for swimmers who want skin protection without hormone disruptors or allergy triggers. Citizens and lawmakers share responsibility for preserving coral habitats that guard communities from erosion and storms.
Help accelerate national standards that remove these toxins from sunscreen formulas. Stand with others who value the oceans as a source of life and prosperity.
Sign the petition now to urge the FDA to outlaw these harmful ingredients. This choice secures safer waters, stronger reefs, and a viable future for coastal communities.
- National Park Service, "Oceans, Coasts & Seashores."
- Danielle Olson, Smithsonian Museum of National History (September 2022), "The Truth About Corals and Sunscreen."
- Coral Reef Alliance (28 September 2021), "Sunscreen 101: Protect Your Skin and Coral Reefs."
- Save The Reef, "Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide."
The Petition:
To the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
We, the undersigned, urgently request that you prohibit the use of oxybenzone and octinoxate in sunscreen formulations throughout the United States. Scientific findings demonstrate that these chemicals contribute to coral bleaching and damage the very reefs that provide habitat and food for thousands of marine species. In addition, these vibrant underwater ecosystems serve as natural barriers, helping to protect coastal communities from destructive storms, floods, and waves.
Conservation in this matter is essential. Without healthier reefs, marine biodiversity collapses and coastal regions become significantly more vulnerable to extreme weather events. By removing harmful filters from personal care products, we safeguard both marine life and the livelihoods of populations that rely on coral reefs for food, tourism, and coastal protection.
We call upon the FDA to enact a ban on these two harmful ingredients, joining states and tourist destinations that have already taken steps to protect coral reefs from further degradation. By ensuring only reef-safe sunscreen ingredients remain on the market, we can safeguard marine ecosystems and protect public health.
These actions will create a healthier tomorrow for future generations, preserving critical marine habitats and ensuring that coastal communities remain resilient and thriving for years to come.
Sincerely,
