Swimmers' Sunscreen Killing Off Coral

[jpak]

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/01/080129-sunscreen-coral.html

The sunscreen that you dutifully slather on before a swim on the beach may be protecting your body—but a new study finds that the chemicals are also killing coral reefs worldwide.

Four commonly found sunscreen ingredients can awaken dormant viruses in the symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae that live inside reef-building coral species.

The chemicals cause the viruses to replicate until their algae hosts explode, spilling viruses into the surrounding seawater, where they can infect neighboring coral communities.

Zooxanthellae provide coral with food energy through photosynthesis and contribute to the organisms' vibrant color. Without them, the coral "bleaches"—turns white—and dies.

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[pansypoo53219]

1. if only i swam near coral reefs.

i don't believe in sunscreen. it doesn't block the deadliest rays. just the burning. plus, i don't tan much. need some natural D tho. damned cold today tho.