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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Halmos Researcher Interviewed on Impacts of Sunscreen on Corals
Abigail Renegar, Ph.D.
In early May, Halmos Research Scientist Abigail Renegar, Ph.D. was interviewed by West Palm Beach TV station WTVX. New research has shown that the compound Oxybenzone found in sunscreen has a deadly effect coral. Renegar states, ““It’s been shown to cause mortality and a number of developmental abnormalities in coral larvae.”
Some research has shown that just a drop of the compound can be toxic to the coral. That is why lawmakers in Hawaii recently passed legislation to ban the sale of sunscreens that contain chemicals including Oxybenzone. Sunscreen makers say there is no conclusive scientific evidence that sunscreen ingredients negatively impact coral reefs at levels that have been detected in tourist areas.