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Science Seminar



Using Eco-epidemiology to Assess the Potential Risks of UV Filters and Other Factors to Corals
Scott D. Dyer, Ph.D.
Department of Biology & Kinesiology
LeTourneau University
Longview, TX
September 2, 2022, Glaske C101, 11:00 am - 11:50 am

 

 

Abstract

In 2016 a study showed corals exposed in the laboratory were sensitive to UV-light-Filters used in sunscreens.   Shortly thereafter, some sunscreen ingredients were banned or implicated as a major cause of coral bleaching.  Yet, many coral ecologists have shown greater concerns with bleaching caused by increased temperatures and other factors.  This presentation will illustrate that the use of eco-epidemiology can help decision makers decipher a complicated ecological problem that also has huge human health implications (e.g., increased skin cancers due to lack of sunscreen use) as well as economic (i.e., tourism).  This presentation was presented to the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on September 16, 2021 (link:  Dr. Dyer, NASEM Presentation (letu.edu)).