Oxybenzone, a common UV filter in sunscreens, shows up in virtually all water sources worldwide and isn't filtered out by standard wastewater treatment. Lab studies link it to coral reef bleaching, and it's been found accumulating in fish populations globally—raising concerns about food chain contamination.

Researchers reviewed existing scientific literature on how organic UV filters (including oxybenzone) affect the environment, examining water contamination studies, coral impact research, and wildlife bioaccumulation data.

Funding not disclosed in abstract