California bans microbeads to protect marine life

US state to phase out use of tiny plastic beads found in soap, toothpaste and body washes by 2020, in bid to protect fish and other marine life

In order to prevent water pollution, many suggest reducing the use of synthetic detergents such as shampoo or conditioner. In contrast, soaps, toothpaste, or other toiletry sets seemed to be distanced from environmental issues. However, microbead, plastic microsphere that are used in cosmetics and personal care products, are so small that they are found in the bodies of fishes and other wildlife after passing through water filtration systems without disintegrating. Thus microbeads are known as number one factor that harms marine wildlife.

The microbeads used in personal care products will be washed down the drain after use. They flow through sewer systems around the world, then they make their way ultimately into sea and ocean. Marine wildlife is unable to distinguish between microbeads and food and thus indiscriminately consumes microbeads. Now, 11% of over 663 different species negatively impacted are known to be due to ingestion of microbeads.

 Recognizing this problem, California governor Jerry Brown signed legislation requiring California to phrase out the use of microscopic exfoliating beads in personal care products starting in 2020 to protect the marine animals. The city council Assemblyman Richard Bloom of Santa Monica stated that his bill, AB888, is passed to limit the use of non-biodegradable beads that contains various toxins.  

Although California has put attempts to pass similar legislation before, Beauty care product companies have strongly opposed it. However, California passed joint amendment this year with several other states to drop the business critics. The microbeads ban was one of legislation Mr. Brown signed in response to concern about environmental degradation.

Credit: The Guardians, Beat the MICROBEAD.org