PRESS RELEASE: Ahead of Brisbane 2032 Olympics, Queensland urged to follow Hawaii and Thailand in protecting the Great Barrier Reef from sunscreen chemicals
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA — Queensland is being urged to follow international destinations including Hawaii, Thailand and parts of Mexico by reducing government purchases of sunscreens containing chemicals banned or restricted overseas.
A new petition lodged with the Queensland Parliament calls on the State Government to exclude sunscreens containing Homosalate, Oxybenzone and 4-MBC from procurement for schools, government departments, outdoor workers and State-funded projects.
The Australian Sunscreen Council says Queensland, as the home of the Great Barrier Reef and host of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, should demonstrate international leadership on sunscreen safety and marine protection.
Hawaii has prohibited the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing Oxybenzone and Octinoxate to help protect its coral reefs.
Thailand prohibits sunscreens containing Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, 4-MBC and Butylparaben from its marine national parks.
Some protected marine areas, cenotes and ecotourism parks in Mexico also restrict conventional chemical sunscreens and permit only mineral or approved biodegradable alternatives.
The Australian Sunscreen Council said the proposed Queensland policy would benefit not only marine life, but also Queensland children, workers and the wider community.
Some sunscreens supplied for use in Queensland schools contain 4-MBC, a chemical banned or not permitted for sunscreen use across more than 78 countries amid concerns about its potential endocrine-disrupting effects.
A Therapeutic Goods Administration assessment completed in January 2026 found that a safe dose of 4-MBC for use in sunscreens could not be established.
Australian Sunscreen Council spokesperson Joseph Mizikovsky said chemicals banned or heavily restricted internationally should not continue to be routinely supplied to Queensland children and workers.
“This is not only about protecting coral and marine life. It is also about reducing potential human exposure to chemicals associated with endocrine-disrupting and other health concerns,” Mr Mizikovsky said.
“Queensland schools should not be supplied with sunscreens containing a chemical banned or prohibited in more than 78 countries when Australia’s own regulator has been unable to establish a safe dose for its use in sunscreen.
“Hawaii has acted to protect its reefs. Thailand has banned four concerning sunscreen ingredients from its marine national parks, while protected areas in Mexico restrict conventional chemical sunscreens in favour of mineral alternatives.
“Queensland is responsible for one of the world’s greatest natural assets. We should be prepared to show the same leadership.”
Research by University of Queensland scientists Elissa O’Malley, Dr Jake O’Brien, Rory Verhagen and Professor Jochen Mueller estimated that more than 19 tonnes of five selected chemical UV filters enter Australian wastewater treatment plants each year.
Their study, published in Chemosphere, estimated that approximately 7.3 tonnes of these UV filters remain in treated effluent and are released into aquatic environments annually.
“Queensland already manufactures zinc based sunscreen alternatives, yet much of that production is exported,” Mr Mizikovsky said.
“The rest of the world benefits from Queensland-made alternatives while Queensland residents risk becoming a dumping ground for chemicals banned or restricted overseas.”
“In the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queensland has an opportunity to send a clear message to the world: we will protect our children, our workers and the Great Barrier Reef while supporting products manufactured here at home.”
The petition seeks a change to Queensland Government procurement policy to remove an avoidable risk. It does not seek to discourage sun protection or the appropriate use of sunscreen.
The Australian Sunscreen Council continues to recommend comprehensive sun protection, including protective clothing, shade and compliant broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Sign the petition www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Petitions/petition-details/4642-26
