Reducing the prevalence of chemical UV filters from sunscreen in aquatic environments: Regulatory, public awareness, and other considerations
Authors: Levine Arielle 
Published: April 2021

Given increasing concerns about the persistence and toxic effects of some sunscreen ingredients in aquatic ecosystems, several states, territories, and nations have banned the sale and/or possession of sunscreens containing chemicals of concern. Little is known, however, about the outcomes or effectiveness of these efforts to reduce the prevalence of toxic chemicals in coastal waters. This article reviews the state of knowledge relating to regulatory and other efforts to reduce the impact of chemical ingredients in sunscreens on aquatic ecosystems, focusing on the following questions: To what extent will local legislative restrictions on ingredients actually reduce the concentrations of chemicals in coastal waters and protect aquatic health? Do these legislative measures effectively decrease overall public use of sunscreens containing potentially harmful ingredients, or would other measures, such as local outreach programs, consumer education, or broad-scale ingredient regulation, be more effective? How might restrictions on chemical UV filters impact human health? Although it is still early to assess the outcomes of recent ingredient bans, their effectiveness is limited by the fact that legislation generally applies only to sunscreens sold within the legislating jurisdiction. Public awareness campaigns can be locally effective, but they are hindered by the absence of clear environmental labeling standards for sunscreen. Although retail and industry groups, and many dermatologists, cite concerns that sunscreen ingredient bans might lead to increased incidences of skin cancer, consumer preferences are influenced by a wide range of factors and no studies clearly document whether restrictions on chemical ingredients will cause people to use sun protection less frequently or less effectively. Until more information is available, many consider it prudent to take a precautionary approach to sunscreen regulation supported by broad-scale, consistent regulatory policies and labeling standards that limit chemical ingredients to those considered safe for human use and ecosystem health. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:982–988. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

There has been growing attention to the impacts of chemical UV filters in sunscreens on aquatic environments, but the state of knowledge regarding sunscreen use, its impact on aquatic ecosystems, and the effects of regulatory policies is characterized by uncertainty. Jurisdictional ingredient bans and public awareness and outreach campaigns can help reduce the prevalence of chemical UV filters in local environments, but these strategies are inefficient and have limited effectiveness and geographic reach. Despite concerns that sunscreen ingredient restrictions may increase skin cancer risk, little is known about how ingredient restrictions will influence people's sunscreen use, and there is no clear evidence that such restrictions will result in a reduction in the public's use of sun protection. Until more information is available, a precautionary approach to sunscreen regulation should be supported by broad-scale, consistent regulatory policies and labeling standards that limit chemical ingredients to those considered safe for human use and ecosystem health.