Balanced view risk assessment of the real ecotoxic impact of ZnO in sunscreens on corals

The impact of UV filters on marine environment, and in particular corals, has gotten a lot of attention in the past decade. As a result, several (chemical) UV filters have been banned from sunscreen use in different parts of the world. In some studies zinc oxide has also been linked to potential coral bleaching effects in similar studies. 

The real impact of zinc oxide on marine environments in general and corals in particular, is still surrounded by misconceptions and misinterpretation of available data. In fact, (eco)toxicity of zinc-based compounds is extremely data rich and very well known. 
In order to evaluate and assess the realistic and real-life effect of zinc oxide when used as sunscreen active ingredient, we have recently performed an extensive exposure and risk assessment. The conclusion of these findings show that even in a cumulative worst-case scenario zinc oxide containing sunscreens pose no threat to corals. This study has been summarized in a fact sheet that is available upon request.