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This tiny Pacific Island nation has BANNED sunscreen

And it might not be great for tourism
Palau bans sunscreenGetty

The Pacific nation of Palau made headlines recently as it became the first country to officially ban “reef toxic” sunscreen from entering the country – this means, if you’re holidaying in the pristine, tropical paradise, you could have your suncream taken from you at the airport.

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In an attempt to protect the country’s pristine coral reefs – a drawcard for tourists from across the globe, and the nation’s main source of income for it’s 21, 000 residents – the nation’s President, Tommy Remengesau Jr, signed legislation that bans tourists and locals from using sunscreens containing one of 10 ‘reef toxic’ chemicals from 2020.

Palau bans sunscreen
(Credit: Getty)

Tourists caught carrying the banned sunscreen into the country will have their lotion confiscated, and shops stocking the banned products will be fined up to $1395.

Palau bans sunscreen
(Credit: Getty)
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The island nation, situated 1500 km east of the Philippines, is known throughout the world for it’s diving, which has been under threat in recent years due to coral reef degradation and dwindling fish populations. In an attempt to address the problems, the legislation also requires tour operators to start providing customers with reusable cups, straws and food containers.

The changes stem from a report tabled in 2017, which found that sunscreen products were present in Palau’s famed Jellyfish Lake, which has been closed to divers and visitors for more than a year due to the location’s rapidly dwindling jellyfish population. An estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen wash into the oceans each year, and research shows chemicals that protect skin from harmful ultra-violet light can also damage coral reefs.

Palau bans sunscreen
(Credit: Getty)

They are not the first country to impose bans on the sale of certain types of sunscreen – in July, Hawaii passed a bill to ban the sale of creams containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, both found to be harmful to reef ecosystems. Although you cannot now buy the suncream on the island, if you’re a tourist, you can still bring it into the country, unlike Palau, which has opted for an all-out ban.

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Palau bans sunscreen
(Credit: Getty)

Critics of the legislation are saying not enough research has been done to link the products to damage to the reef, while others are claiming more damage will be done to visitors due to sun exposure. Visitors need not fret though – there are plenty of “reef-friendly” sunscreens, that DON’T contain the chemicals.

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