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Sonnencreme – Flyer

© Aqua Ecology und Ecologic Institut, 2023

Sonnencreme – Flyer

Schütze Dich un Deine Umwelt!

Publication
Citation

Ecologic Institut & AquaEcology. (2023). Sonnencreme – Schütze Dich und Deine Umwelt! Informationsflyer des MEER-Projekts – Umsetzung der EU-Meeresstrategie-Rahmenrichtlinie (2019–2023). Umweltbundesamt (UBA), Dessau-Roßlau.

The Ecologic Institute and AquaEcology developed an information flyer that translates scientific findings on sunscreen-related chemical inputs into clear, actionable guidance for everyday use. The flyer addresses a specific exposure pathway: the wash-off of sunscreen during swimming and bathing, which contributes to the release of UV filter substances into marine waters. This pathway is relevant for coastal and recreational waters and complements existing assessments of chemical pressures in the marine environment.

Rather than providing a comprehensive scientific overview, the flyer focuses on selected substances for which environmental effects are well documented. It highlights potential impacts on algae, corals and marine mammals and places these effects in the context of individual consumer choices. By naming specific UV filters and substance groups, the flyer supports informed decision-making without replacing regulatory or risk assessment processes.

The primary purpose of the flyer is to support behaviour-oriented environmental communication. It promotes precautionary measures such as the use of UV-protective clothing, avoidance of midday sun and attention to product ingredients, while emphasising the continued importance of effective sun protection for human health. As a targeted communication product, the flyer contributes to public awareness-raising in support of marine environmental protection and the objectives of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Sunscreen and the Marine Environment: Practical Guidance for Reducing Environmental Impacts

Contact

More content from this project

Language
German
Credits

Content: Dr. Nico Stelljes (Ecologic Institute)
Design: Lena Aebli (Ecologic Institute)

Funding
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Year
Project
Project ID
Keywords
sunscreen marine environment, environmental impacts of sunscreen, UV filters marine ecosystems, pharmaceuticals and chemicals in the environment, chemical pollution of the sea, marine biodiversity, coral bleaching, ecotoxicology, algal photosynthesis inhibition, marine mammal contaminant accumulation, environmental impacts of cosmetics, micropollutants, marine pollution, chemical pressures in marine waters, Marine Strategy Framework Directive, MSFD
North Sea, Baltic Sea, Germany, European marine waters, coastal waters
scientific literature review, evidence-based environmental communication, knowledge synthesis, chemical hazard assessment, ecotoxicological assessment, indicator communication, targeted science communication, visualisation of scientific data, science-policy interface, environmental awareness-raising