Story perspectives
New Pollen Sunscreen Blocks UV, Protects Coral Reefs
10/7/2025
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Story summary
- Pollen-based sunscreen blocks UV rays as effectively as chemical sunscreens and did not harm corals, whereas commercial sunscreen caused coral bleaching within two days.
- Camellia pollen sunscreen achieved SPF 27.3 and blocked 97% of UV rays.
- Sunflower pollen sunscreen had SPF under 5.
- An estimated 6,000-14,000 metric tons of harmful sunscreen chemicals enter coral-rich areas annually.
