Florida Keys, Coral Reefs Worldwide Need Oxybenzone And Octinoxate Ban

An effort by local government in the Florida Keys to protect their coral reefs has met resistance. The Florida Keys wants to ban the use of oxybenzone and octinoxate, two sunscreen ingredients known to harm coral reefs. Bradley, Republican Chairman of the Florida State Senate Appropriations Committee, wants to take the power away from local governments to implement bans, and have the power rest only with the state. So much for Republican rhetoric about decentralized government.

Bradley argues that if the ban takes place, "the only sunscreen that would be affordable is these luxury boutique sunscreens, which sometimes don't work as well as mainstream sunscreen".

There are plenty of inexpensive, mainstream effective sunscreens sold in non boutique places like Walmart, Target, Whole Foods and many more non boutique stores that use coral reef safe non nano zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide. Furthermore, these physical barrier sunscreens are safer than chemical sunscreens which do get absorbed into the body, and are considered harmful by a number of scientists.

People are better off using non nano zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide. It is better for their health, and better for coral reefs. 

In fact, there is not a single place in the world where there are coral reefs where sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate should be allowed. These chemicals are bad for people and bad for the environment, especially fragile coral reefs. 

If only people valued environmental protection and human health over business interests.