Cancer care experts have backed a ban on sunscreen linked to the death of coral reefs.

Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre said it was aware of evidence that big-name brands of sunscreen which contain oxybenzone and octinoxate had been linked to coral bleaching — and could also pose a risk to users.

Azuree Williams, event and programme manager at BCHC, said: “The research we have come across shows it can be harmful to humans as well as the environment.

“We support any of the groups that are out there practising and promoting eco-safe behaviour. If it’s safe for the environment, that means it’s going to be safe for humans too.”

She said sunscreen was an important factor in the prevention of skin cancer, but the public should use sunscreens that use zinc oxide as its active ingredient.

Ms Williams said: “Sunscreen is important because sunburn leads down the road to skin cancer. One severe sunburn as a child tends to put you at higher risk for being diagnosed with skin cancer when you are older.

“Sunscreen is one of the most important things that people can do if they are going to be in the sun for a long period of time.

“That doesn’t just mean at the beach. If they are playing sports or doing any outdoor activity, sunscreen should be used, especially during the hours of 2pm to 4pm when the ultraviolet index tends to be highest.”

Ms Williams was speaking after oxybenzone and octinoxate were linked to coral bleaching in a recent scientific study.

The two compounds are used in sunscreens to filter UV rays and help other ingredients to be absorbed into the skin.

Researchers found high levels of the chemicals in the water near popular swimming beaches in Hawaii and the Caribbean.

Studies suggested the chemicals poison coral, contribute to coral bleaching and prevent healthy coral development.

Hawaii has passed a Bill to ban the sale of sunscreens containing the chemicals.

The Bill, if signed into law by Hawaii’s governor, will come into force in 2021.

Jonathan Starling, executive director of Greenrock, said the charity would support examination of a similar ban in Bermuda.

He added the charity’s main concerns about the island’s reefs were the preservation of key predators such as rockfish and planning to protect the marine environment, as well as plastic waste pollution.

Mr Starling said: “However, inasmuch as the literature seems to be pointing towards these chemicals in certain sunscreens posing a threat to corals, we certainly think it’s worth looking into.

“Whether that be a ban on the problem sunscreens or lifting the customs duty for the ‘coral friendly’ sunscreens, there are options that could be considered.”