US activists, politicians demand FDA reclassify ‘Toxic 3 Os’ used in sunscreen

Context

Recently, a petition has been filed to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reclassify three chemicals used in sunscreen. 

What are the Toxic 3 O?

1. Oxybenzone (OBZ)
2. Octinoxate (OMC)
3. Octocrylene (OCR)

• These three chemicals are active ingredients present in more than two-thirds of all sunscreens. 
• These UV filters are known to widely contaminate the environment through a variety of anthropogenic sources, including sewage discharge.

Key-points made in the petition

• The above mentioned chemicals to be shifted to “Not Generally Recognized as Safe & Effective” (GRASE Category II)”. 
• Removal of products that contained these chemicals from the marketplace.

Reason behind the demand

• Threat to all: These chemicals pose a threat to public health, marine life and coral reefs.
• Damage to reproductive organs: Octocrylene in sun protection products degrades into benzophenone, a carcinogen that can also interfere with key hormones and reproductive organs. 
• Leading to various diseases: They cause human cell damage that has been linked to cancer, disrupt hormones, have been found in breast milk, blood and urine and are known allergens.
• Threat to corals: Oxybenzone is particularly toxic to corals at concentrations as low as a few parts per trillion — the equivalent of three drops in an Olympic-size swimming pool may be enough to severely damage or kill coral.
• Ill-effects on human health and overall economy: The ‘Toxic 3 Os’ are also detrimental when there is fishing in contaminated waters, impacting human health and the economy.