The very first recommendation we get when we are about to spend a long time exposed to the sun is wearing sunscreen. And protecting your skin from the UV rays is extremely important.

But what can protects us may harm the environment.

A recent study published on the Environmental Science and Toxicology Journal revealed something unexpected: small particles of sunscreen may harm sea creatures, deactivating their defense mechanisms that protect embryos. These substances are nanomaterials, which can be up to 100,000 times smaller than human hair.

Microscopical amounts of metals present in sunscreens, toothpaste, cosmetics and boat paints may alter the cells of such creatures, making them vulnerable.

The study was conducted in sea urchin embryos. Gary Cherr, director of California University, says: “When they were exposed to these nanomaterials, even in extremely low concentrations that you wouldn’t expect to have an effect, we saw all sorts of unusual patterns of development.”

Take a look at this example:

This white sea urchin embryo was exposed to nano-zinc oxide, commonly found in sunscreens. The green dye shows that other toxic substances are retained in the embryo when it is exposed to the nanoparticles, rather than being pumped out by its natural defense mechanisms.

Paul Westerhoff, a professor at Arizona State University’s School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, says the new research does not prove that sunscreen has significant impacts on marine life.

Still, the risk is there. Nano-copper oxides are an improved version of traditional forms of copper, which can affect basic marine life processes, such as how salmon use smell to find spawning grounds.

The advocacy organization Environmental Working Group has named zinc oxide as the best available sunscreen option for most consumers. But i also states that every product must be monitored and regulated to protect both people and marine creatures.

Sustainability is everywhere. Solví reaffirms its commitment to create initiatives that not only protect the environment, but promote harmonious life between environment and man.