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P.O.Box 437462 Kamuela,Hawaii 96743 +1808 887-6411 Fax+1808 885-6707 is acen er.org
THE DOHA a�CENTE W m ,
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Re: Bill 167
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Hearing Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2022. � :�.-,:r.-,�„
Position: Strong Support for County Bill 167 w
Aloha Honorable Council Chair Maile David,Co-Chair Aaron Chung,and Members of the County Council
Approximately one-fourth of the plants,fish,and invertebrates found in Hawaiian coral reefs are endemic
to Hawai'i.Coral reefs are intrinsic to Hawaiian culture and provide critical natural protection against
coastal erosion and sea-level rise. Further,our coral reefs underpin our vibrant tourism industry,Hawai'i's
primary and vital economic engine.Where people use marine environments as recreational resources,
there is sunscreen pollution.Swimmers put on sunscreen products before they get into the water and over
an hour much of the sunscreen on the skin will slough off,potentially contaminating the surrounding
water.This is a grave concern because it has been reported in the scientific literature that chemicals in
sunscreen can have irreversibly detrimental effects on marine life,including changes in fish behavior,
damage to coral DNA and larvae,and the health of algae,fish,shellfish,urchins,and marine mammals.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has already recognized this existential threat to
our coral reefs See: Skincare Chemicals and Marine Life noaa. ov
SUNSCREEN CHEMICALS AND MARINE LIFE
,At How sunscreen chemicals enter our environment:
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How c a n affect marine life;
Can hipou, AvaunnoliMuc;In 1- Cui induce diiteclai In young.Here are a few ways to and
Research shows both octocrylene and avobenzone pose known risks to human health as well as to
Hawaii's fragile marine environment. Octocrylene degrades into BENZOPHENONE-a"sister"chemical to
oxybenzone that is recognized by the FDA,State of California Prop6S,and the WHO to be a mutagen,
carcinogen,and an endocrine disruptor. Research also shows that homosalate is a potential endocrine
disruptor and studies in cells suggest it may impact hormones.
Comm. No.7r nr11.522
EDUCATION.ENVIRONMENT.EMPOWERMENT. WAAnU
77).Ko<),:«t ce>>; i.,,r., Ref. Date JUN 1 5 2022
Chemical
Research in
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Benzophenone Accumulates over Time from the Degradation of
Octocrylene in Commercial Sunscreen Products
C..k Dow.nc, ,,,,ph C.DiNardo,Didier titien,.Alice NI.S.Rocinguec,and Philippe L.eharon
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[ C JII Me,r:ca R More ®4rt a Recommendat ons tiupnnrt:no nrrnain.
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Long-term exposure to avobenzone and octocrylene is lethal for some organisms living in freshwater
environments. See https:://www.ualberta.ca/folio/2020/09/common-sunscreen-ingredients-dangerous-
for-freshwater-ecosystems-study html
On September 24, 2021,the FDA issued a proposed order concerning nonprescription sunscreen
drug products.In the proposed order,two mineral products zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are
deemed generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE),and fourteen products are deemed
NOT GRASE.Of the fourteen products,twelve products do not currently contain sufficient data to support
positive GRASE classification.The twelve products that require additional data are avobenzone,cinoxate,
dioxybenzone,ensulizole,homosalate,meradimate,octinoxate, octisalate,octocrylene,oxybenzone,
padimate 0,and sulisobenzone.
EDUCATION.ENVIRONMENT.EMPOWERMENT.
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The Center for Disease Control,American Cancer Society,World Health Organization,as well as hundreds
of scientists and dermatologists,have reported that certain chemical sunscreens are harmful to many
forms of life and have not been shown to decrease skin cancer. To protect from the sun and reduce the
impact on coral reefs they suggest that people avoid the mid-day sun,wear a protective hat and clothing,
and apply sunscreen with only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the main ingredient.This is a much better
course for public health and the environment than using a petrochemical sunscreen that may cause harm
to the coral reefs and other marine life.
We ask for your strong support for Bill 167 restricting the use of sunscreen petrochemicals that have
questionable effects on the health of humans and marine life in alignment with the Precautionary
Principle,allowing us to protect our environment and communities for future generations.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Punihaole Kennedy
Director Kahalu'u Bay Education Center
EDUCATION,ENVIRONMENT,EMPOWERMENT.
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