Hawaii to Ban Sunscreens Containing Oxybenzone and Octinoxate

Finally the legislature is moving forward in Hawaii. And it’s a good start and example for all the States to follow the suit. The new legislature will prohibit the sale of ultraviolet sun protection factor sunscreen personal care products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, to preserve marine ecosystems, including coral reefs that protect Hawaii's shoreline.

Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two common chemical sunscreens that have been found to have significant harmful impacts on Hawaii's marine environment and residing ecosystems, including coral reefs that protect Hawaii's shoreline. These chemicals have also been shown to degrade corals' resiliency and ability to adjust to climate change factors and inhibit recruitment of new corals.

Additionally, oxybenzone and octinoxate appear to increase probability of endocrine disruption and can induce feminization in adult male fish, increase reproductive diseases in marine species and mammals. The chemicals also induce deformities in the embryonic development of fish, sea urchins, coral, and shrimp and induce neurological behavioral changes in fish that threaten the continuity of fish populations. Species that are listed on the federal Endangered Species Act and inhabit Hawaii's waters maybe also affected. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2019. Congratulations Hawaii!