Unintended Consequences of Sunscreen

Sunscreen is known for its importance in protecting our skin from the harmful rays that the sun emits. It has the capability to protect our skin from various diseases, such as cancer. However, the effectiveness and safety of certain sunscreen products have started becoming controversial. This is due to concerns of health risks and environmental effects that are caused due to certain toxins consisting in sunscreen. Oxybenzone (BP-3) and Octinoxate (OMC) are two main chemicals that are under review, as they have the potential to act as hormone disruptors. This topic has not been taken seriously due to lack of research. Therefore, it is essential that we start acknowledging all potential short term and long term risks associated with sunscreen, to ensure development of more effective products. This research is a secondary literature review, in which I gathered sources to explore both beneficial as well as harmful effects of sunscreen use. I was encountered with biased information as well as a limited amount of sample size, however I gained a better understanding of why it's important we further the research of this issue. Sunscreen has proven to have positive and negative impacts on society. Certain toxins in sunscreen have harmed coral reefs, affected the food pyramid, as well as affect the normal functions of hormones in our body. I would recommend spreading more public awareness about this topic, so that people are aware of some of the unintended consequences sunscreen may have.