Bend Girl Scout’s project aims to protect local waterways from harmful sunscreen chemicals
Jillian Fortner
(Update: Adding video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A new sign at Riverbend Park is asking river users to choose “river-friendly” sun protection. It’s part of Girl Scout Serafina Quercini’s Gold Award project, aimed at reducing sunscreen chemicals that can wash into the Deschutes.
I was curious because most people know that coral reefs are impacted by sunscreen. Because our river is such a big part of our community here. I wanted to know if sunscreen had that affect on freshwater,” Quercini said.
Many popular sunscreens contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemicals that protect skin from powerful UV rays but can harm fish, aquatic insects, and overall water quality once they enter the water.
Serafina says sunscreen chemicals can disrupt fish reproduction, harm aquatic insects, and lower water quality, impacts that ripple through the entire freshwater ecosystem.
Oregon State University toxicologist Professor Robyn Tanguay says the effects are similar in saltwater and freshwater.
“In areas where lots of people are in the water, those concentrations can build up and become harmful,” said Tanguay.
That concern is why places like Hawaii have banned certain sunscreen chemicals to protect coral reefs and marine life.
“These are manmade chemicals,” said Tanguay. “Some of them, not all of them, bio accumulate. So that means the low concentrations in the water, but you keep adding more to the water that those chemicals concentrate into tissues like human tissues or fish and, etc..”
As part of her project, Quercini partnered with Bend Park and Recreation District to design and install the new sign. She also created educational rack cards now being shared at hotels, water-sport shops, and tour companies.
“I enjoyed collaborating with Serafina on her project because it fits well with our other efforts to raise awareness of how to responsibly enjoy river recreation,” said Julie Brown, Community Engagement Director for Bend Parks and Recreation.
Quercini plans to continue this line of study in college; she’ll be pursuing marine science at UC Berkeley.
“I didn’t know that this project was going to go as far as it did, and I’m really glad it did. It took a lot of work,” Quercini said. “It makes me hopeful that people will change their mind about their sunscreen and that it will hopefully have an impact, and that a small Girl Scout from Bend, Oregon can make a difference.”
Quercini says look for products that are mineral based, or that don’t include harsh chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate. Aerosol sunscreens often contain propane and butane, which are harmful propellants. To be eco-friendly, stick to lotion or liquid options.