ReviewReview of environmental effects of oxybenzone and other sunscreen active ingredients
Section snippets
Water sources
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are critical in the water recycling process. Water utilized by humans passes through these facilities for treatment before re-entering rivers and streams. WWTPs worldwide have been tested for UV filters in their influent (incoming water sources) and effluent (water that has been treated). In Brazil, oxybenzone, ethylhexyl salicylate, octinoxate, and octocrylene were identified in raw and treated water.26 Oxybenzone, 4-MBC, octinoxate, and octocrylene were all
Coral reefs
Coral reefs are a critical component of our environment, supporting as many as 1 million species of fish, invertebrates, and algae.34 Coral belong to the Cnidaria family, which are soft bodied animals that engage in symbiosis with algae (zooxanthellae). Zooxanthellae live on coral. Their photosynthesis gives coral energy, and the algae itself provides the coral's vibrant colors. As coral grows, it forms branching structures culminating in reefs. When coral reefs face oxidative stress from
Food chain
UV filters have been studied in fish and mammals. In rats, 4-MBC interferes with sexual behavior and reproductive practices.18, 29 In zebra fish, octocrylene alters development in brain and liver.30 In rainbow trout and Japanese rice fish (medaka), laboratory studies demonstrated that exposure to high concentrations of oxybenzone led to decreased egg production, with significantly fewer hatchings, as well as induction of vitellogenin protein in males (a precursor of the egg yolk found only in
Solutions
Given the growing concerns regarding UV filters present in the environment, public and government agencies have been searching for solutions. Legislation has been proposed to ban chemicals that have affected our food supply.3, 42 On May 1, 2018, the Hawaiian state legislature passed a bill that bans the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. At the time of writing of this review, the bill was awaiting the signature of Governor David Y. Ige.43 If the bill is
Conclusion
With the known effects of UV radiation on erythema, photoaging, and development of skin cancer, photoprotection is paramount. However, we must also take into account the impact of our efforts on the environment. UV filters have been identified in many water sources; they are extremely difficult to remove by using traditional WWTP practices. With continued use of organic filters, one can surmise that concentrations in our water sources will continue to rise. The effect on coral reefs is clearly
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Funding sources: None.
Disclosure: Dr Lim is an investigator/coinvestigator for Ferndale, Estee Lauder, Allergan, and Incyte. Dr Schneider has no conflicts of interest to disclose.
Reprints not available from the authors.