Filtros solares y el ambiente... que no usar.

Journal Scan / Review · November 27, 2018

Impact of Oxybenzone and Other Sunscreen Active Ingredients on the Environment

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

• Organic UV filters including oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), octocrylene, octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate), and ethylhexyl salicylate have been identified in water sources and in aquatic animals worldwide. These filters are not easily removed by common waste water treatment plant techniques. Oxybenzone has specifically been implicated in coral reef bleaching, which prompted the Hawaiian state legislature to pass a bill banning certain sunscreens.

• The impact of sunscreens on the environment should not detract healthcare providers from promoting photoprotective efforts, including seeking shade, wearing photoprotective clothing, and wearing physical sunscreens with inorganic filters (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide). This will help in protecting the skin from the deleterious effects of sunlight while protecting the environment.

– InYoung Kim, MD, PhD

With increasing awareness regarding the risks of sunburn, photoaging and skin cancer, the use of sunscreens has increased. Organic and inorganic filters are used in sunscreen products worldwide. Concerns have been raised on commonly used organic UV filters including oxybenzone (benzophenone-3; BP-3), 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), octocrylene (OC), and octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate; EHMC) on their effects on the environment. Studies have identified UV filters such as oxybenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate and ethylhexyl salicylate (ES) in almost all water sources around the world and have commented that these filters are not easily removed by common waste water treatment plant techniques. Additionally, in laboratory settings, oxybenzone has specifically been implicated as a possible contributor to coral reef bleaching. Furthermore, UV filters such as 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, oxybenzone, octocrylene and octinoxate have been identified in various species of fish worldwide, which has possible consequences for the food chain. As dermatologists, it is important for us to continue to emphasize the public health impact of excessive sun exposure, and to advise our patients about proper photoprotection practice, which consists of seeking shade, wearing photoprotective clothing including hats and sunglasses, and application of appropriate sunscreens.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Review of Environmental Effects of Oxybenzone and Other Sunscreen Active Ingredients

J Am Acad Dermatol 2018 Nov 14;[EPub Ahead of Print], SL Schneider, HW Lim