At one time or another in our lives, we have all “consumed” the Mediterranean (stays, holidays, swimming, cruises, water activities, etc.). A subject that receives little media attention, that of pollution by sunscreens and other anti-UV filters is at the heart of environmental issues .

Accused of polluting the oceans, the star of the beaches is no longer in the odour of sanctity. However, it is possible to protect yourself from the sun while remaining attentive to the environment.

This video from the CNRS laboratory of the observatory of the Oceanological Center of Banyuls sur mer/Sorbonne University will allow you to see a little more clearly

Ocean marine ecosystems are dangerously exposed to a variety of pressures, including pollution chemical, in particular because of contaminants of emerging interest (CEC). These compounds include body care products, and in particular UV filters used in sunscreens. With the increasing development of tourism, beaches and coastal areas are increasingly in demand and are under strong anthropogenic pressure. The use of sunscreen products is widely encouraged by medical professionals and governments to limit the risks induced by UV rays. However, a recent report by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) mentions organic UV filters as an important class of pollutants among the CECs, with 45% of the UV filters tested being associated with proven toxic risks for coral reefs. This conference will provide an overview of this situation, the work carried out on this topic at the Oceanological Observatory, and will focus on guiding the public through the jungle of sunscreen ingredients, to find solutions to protect both human and environmental health.

Link to the video: CLICK HERE

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At the initiative of the OFB and the Gulf of Lion Marine Park:

An alternative solution to the harmful effects of certain UV filters on local marine fauna and flora.

For your maritime, beach, paddle, kayaking, boating…

Cover oneself:
“I’m wearing an Anti-UV T-SHIRT”

Why protect your skin from UV rays?

Protecting ourselves from the sun has become a reflex gesture when we go to the beach or to the sea. While this precaution is essential to preserve our skin and prevent cancer, we are often unaware that some UV filters in sunscreens can have harmful effects on marine biodiversity.

The sun, the cause of cancer

Sun exposure is the main risk factor for carcinomas and melanomas, skin cancers that can progress seriously and become fatal.
UVA rays also cause premature aging of the skin by destroying collagen fibers and elastin in the dermis. Exposure to UVB rays leads to inflammation or “sunburn”.

No sunscreen, even with a SPF 50, guarantees a total barrier against the sun’s rays.

Mineral filters: titanium dioxide (TIO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO)

Sunscreens made with mineral filters are the only ones that can be labelled as “organic”. However, this label does not mean that mineral products are safe.

The only two mineral filters on the market can also be toxic to marine biodiversity when used in the form of nanoparticles8.

Unfortunately, since the particle sizes of TiO2 and ZnO are only very rarely indicated on the packaging, it is currently difficult to determine the non-toxicity of mineral UV filters.

Even certified organic, no cosmetic product can claim to “protect biodiversity”, or even “respect the environment”?

To better adhere to the skin, UV filter particles can be coated with other, sometimes controversial, ingredients, such as silicones that cause polluting microplastic residues.