UNCW marine researcher downplays effectiveness of sunscreen ban

Published: May. 11, 2018 at 2:12 PM EDT|Updated: May. 11, 2018 at 6:25 PM EDT
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SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA (WECT) - Instead of banning popular sunscreens containing certain chemicals, a UNCW marine researcher says there are bigger fish to fry when it comes to saving our oceans.

Hawaii may become the first state to ban the sale of sunscreen containing octinoxate and oxybenzone. According to a study from the Haerecticus Environmental Laboratory, the two chemicals are causing harm to Hawaii's marine environment.

"Trying to apply little band aids about killing lionfish or banning suntan lotions may make people feel good, but are they really going to do any good in the long run?" Alina Szmant, an adjunct research professor at UNCW, asked.

Szmant has traveled the world studying coral reefs and said the doses used in studies to find the chemical's effect are too large.

"They are akin to taking half a bottle of suntan lotion and dumping it into your bathtub," Szmant said. "I've never seen anything like that in the ocean."

While Szmant isn't convinced the ban would work wonders, parents at Carolina Beach Friday were on board with the cause.

"People should be receptive to choosing a natural or more organic sunscreen that doesn't have the chemicals that causes harm to the environment," Kendra Bentley said. "Spending the extra $3 to better the environment really isn't harming you in the long run."

Bentley used sunscreen with zinc oxide, a chemical experts believe is safer for the environment, when applying it to her 2-year-old daughter, Charlotte.

The ban hasn't been brought up as legislation in North Carolina. Before leaders would consider similar legislation, Szmant said there are more effective ways to protect our ocean and ecosystem, namely reducing plastic waste and limiting the number of people on beaches at one time.

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