Using sunscreen can cut your risk of developing some of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer by 50 percent. Unfortunately, a new study suggests it also may be doing severe damage to already threatened coral reefs around the world.
The research was done by the University of Central Florida and published in Tuesday's Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology.
toxicology … 毒物学
The study tested the water around coral reefs in Hawaii and the Caribbean, and found a high concentration of Oxybenzone in the water.
oxybenzone … オキシベンゾン、紫外線吸収剤
Oxybenzone is one of the most common ingredients in sunscreen, but it can do severe damage to fragile Coral Reefs.
According to the research, the chemical not only kills coral, but it also causes DNA damage in adult coral, and deforms the larvae.
deform … 奇形にする
larvae [lɑ́ːrvìː] … larvaの複数形
larva [lɑ́ːrvə] … 幼生、幼虫
One member of the research team, John Fauth said damaging coral reefs doesn't just harm the coral, but it can affect humans, as well.
"Coral reefs are the world's most productive marine ecosystems and support commercial and recreational fisheries and tourism," Fauth said. "In addition, reefs protect coastlines from storm surge. Worldwide, the total value of coral reefs is tremendous. And they are in danger."
storm surge … 高潮
So how can we still protect ourselves from the sun, and enjoy the water?
Fauth recommends "rash guards, or scuba wetsuits." There also is a whole new generation of swimwear that has built-in sun protection.
rash guard … ラッシュガード（海やプールなどで皮膚を守るために着用する、伸縮性のある薄手のウエア）
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