Hawaii bans sunscreens containing chemicals thought to harm coral

Hawaii has implemented the world’s first ban on sunscreens containing the controversial chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, and it goes into effect on 1 January 2021. The legislation, which passed Hawaii’s state House and Senate in May, prohibits the sale and distribution of such products in Hawaii, and it was signed into law by governor David Ige earlier this month. The measure aims to protect Hawaii’s marine ecosystems, since research indicates that oxybenzone and octinoxate are toxic to corals and other aquatic life.