Oxybenzone

When I learned about the issues regarding oxybenzone, I was appalled. To think that something so potentially dangerous has been so widely accepted for so long is nothing short of troubling. My goal in this is as follows: create a campaign which will start a movement away from toxic suntan lotions and usher in a wave of sustainable products. This is important for a multitude of reasons. First of all, chemicals like oxybenzone are detrimental to coral reefs. Research has found that these chemicals can kill of juvenile coral, cause color bleaching, mutate their DNA, and even cause the prevention of new coral buds forming (sunscreen chemical, 2014). And without coral reefs, scientists are worried about what could occur to the oceanic ecosystem. Beyond the loss of its natural beauty, coral reefs are an important “mini-ecosystem.” Reefs provide shelter for some fish, rooms for algae to grow, and are a buzz of activity for hungry creatures. Without the reefs, scientists fear it could lead to species being wiped out. Second, there is the humanitarian aspect of oxybenzone. This is a known endocrine disruptor. Government tests have shown it to cause reduced
For the first category, 67% of beach goers are either under 20 or between the ages of 30-49 (Collier, et al., 2015). At the same time, new mothers and fathers have recently been found to be ages 26 and 28, respectfully (Kane, 2013). What this tells me is simple: Our main target has to be younger beach goers and younger parents. They are the majority of people that this product effects, and will provide us the best odds at creating change. Also, it will be important to look at the elderly as their weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to these toxins, and may be a great asset in our