Should Switzerland stop using Chemical Sunscreen?

Small Country, Big Impact

Switzerland is a small country with a big impact on the environment. Known as the “water tower of Europe,” many of Europe’s major rivers originate in Switzerland, making the country’s freshwater resources of the utmost importance. In order to protect these resources, it is crucial to address the issue of pollution from chemical sunscreens.

| Chemical Sunscreen harm aquatic life

Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been found to damage coral reefs and harm aquatic life. In addition, these chemicals have been shown to be toxic to human cells in laboratory studies. When people swim in lakes and rivers, these chemicals can be released into the water and contribute to the pollution of these important freshwater resources.

| The Rhine, Rhone, Danube and Po

One of the major rivers that originates in Switzerland is the Rhine. The Rhine is the longest river in Europe, running for over 1,200 kilometers through six countries. It is also one of the most important rivers in Europe, serving as a major transportation route and providing water for agriculture and industry. However, the Rhine is also affected by pollution from chemical sunscreens. In recent years, high levels of oxybenzone have been found in the river, posing a threat to the health of the river’s aquatic life and the people who rely on the river for drinking water.

Another major river that originates in Switzerland is the Rhône. The Rhône is the second longest river in France and provides water for agriculture and hydroelectric power. However, the Rhône is also affected by pollution from chemical sunscreens. In 2018, a study found that the river contained high levels of oxybenzone, which can harm aquatic life and potentially affect the health of people who consume fish from the river.

In addition to the Rhine and Rhône, Switzerland also contributes to the headwaters of the Danube and Po River. The Danube is the second longest river in Europe, running for over 2,850 kilometers through 10 countries. The Po is the longest river in Italy, running for over 650 kilometers. Both of these rivers are important for transportation, agriculture, and industry, but like the Rhine and Rhône, they are also affected by pollution from chemical sunscreens.

| Take action

Given the importance of these rivers and their connection to Switzerland, it is crucial that the country take action to protect its freshwater resources. One way to do this is by stop using chemical sunscreens and instead promoting the use of natural mineral sunscreens that use safe, non-nano zinc oxide.

| Safe non-nano zinc oxide 

Natural mineral sunscreens are made with ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide, which is not only safe for human use but also does not harm the environment. Zinc oxide is a mineral that sits on top of the skin, reflecting and scattering UV rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, zinc oxide does not penetrate the skin or enter the bloodstream, making it a safer choice for both people and the environment.