Sunscreen and the reef (any reef)
 

Sounds like a Japanese monster movie, but seriously...

I was reading about sunscreens that contain Benzophenone-3. This is, on the one hand, great stuff for blocking radiation from the sun...

"Benzophenone-3 provides effective protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. The substance has been available since the 1980s."

But the problem is that this chemical primes the growth of a deadly virus in coral reefs. The sunscreen washes off when you are smimming or snorkeling, then affects the coral. If you think of it when you are buying sunscreen, check the indrediants, and if you can buy one that does not contain this chemical, buy that one. There are several eco-friendly brands available in Key West on on-line. Do me and the reef a favor.

Thanks
Pjk

Thank, Peter. It is important to pass that info along.

Here is the brand we found and is the brand that is allowed at Xel Ha in Mexico:

www.mexitan.com

Wow. The ways are just endless in how we end up screwing up the planet. I will pass this along to my scuba husband!

I've been wearing biodegradable Bullfrog for over 20 years.

It is alcohol based instead of petrolium based so it doesn't harm the environment.

I always burn so I cover up with a rash guard and shorts when snorkeling. I use a zinc oxide sunblock on my face (very attractive, not!)

The funny thing is that I usually suggest wearing an old T-shirt under a life vest when snorkeling to protect your back from sunburn. This leaves generally the back of the calves for guys if they are wearing jams and the back of the calves and thighs for ladies. Not too much else of the body needs protection in the water.

Pjk

Last summer I bought a full length "dive skin" so I'm covered from the neck to the heels. Looks like crap on me (very form fitting) but it sure kept me from getting sunburned anymore. It also avoids the red splotches where you missed putting the sunscreen on. Now all I have to worry about is the top of my head.

Be careful using t-shirts as sunblock as they do not block the sun's damaging rays, unless it is a special fabric designed to block the sun.

Also, when a regular t-shirt gets wet, it becomes 50% less protective.

I've never worn a tee shirt snorkeling because as far as sun protection, it works like an SPF 2.

We found this article in National Geographic
http://www.thegreenguide-magazine.co...mer2008/?pg=14

So use the Caribbean Sol...works great but know i am using the RIGHT stuff.