How does sunscreen lotion affect turtle gender reassignment?

Answer 1

Sunscreen lotions containing certain chemicals, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been linked to disrupting the endocrine systems of marine life, including turtles. In sea turtles, the temperature of the sand where eggs are incubated determines the gender of the hatchlings; warmer temperatures generally produce more females. If these chemicals leach into the environment, they can exacerbate temperature-related gender imbalances, potentially leading to skewed populations. This disruption can threaten the overall reproductive success and survival of turtle populations.