Recent concerns on the effects of sunscreen on the world’s coral reefs is prompting research into chemicals suspected to be harmful. This work is conducted in the LC MS MS laboratory where we have a Sciex 5500 QTrap mass spectrometer coupled to a Spark Holland HPLC. This project is led by our analytical chemist Dr. Shourjo Ghose and investigates common contaminants of concern such as Oxybenzone, Methyl Paraben, Ethyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, Heptyl Paraben, Triclosan , Octyl methoxycinnamate and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor.
REEFS AT RISK
Set on the beautiful beaches of Hawaii, “Reefs at Risk” explores the harmful effects some sunscreen chemicals have on coral reefs and marine life. In order to protect this fragile ecosystem, Hawaii strives to ban a commonly used UV chemical, called oxybenzone, and hopes that other states and nations will follow.