Palau is first country to ban ‘reef toxic’ sun cream

News: Palau has become the first country to ban sun cream that is harmful to corals and sea life.

Facts:

• The ban covers chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate used in sunscreen
• These chemicals are toxic to wildlife species such as corals, fish, and macroalgae. They can cause:

o   corals to become more susceptible to coral bleaching,

o   damage the DNA of coral, and

o   deform and kill juvenile corals

Additional Information:

Palau

• It is an island country located in the western Pacific Ocean.
• Rock Islands Southern Lagoon of Palau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Palau created the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009.