ban on micro beads

23 Feb 2021

Microbeads

What are Microbeads?

Microbeads are small particles of plastics which are commonly found in personal care products like scrubs, shower gels, face washes, toothpastes, hand wash. Made of tiny scrubbing agents, (think micro micro) these measure between 1-5mm and have hazardous effects on human and marine life. Nearly 4.8 trillion microplastics are found in the Indian water bodies, according to a study done by Markus Eriksen of the 5 Gyres Institute of Los Angeles, blocking the digestive tracts of marine animals and ultimately being consumed by humans.

Microplastics are often combined with other potential toxins to improve their performance in these products we use. These as you have seen end up in the systems of organisms who consume it, posing a serious threat to their life and eventually yours..

Can something so tiny be a threat?

Yes! We have seen the havoc created by the Corona virus, so tiny micro particles can be dangerous too.
Microbeads or microplastics are washed down the drain as we use our favorite shower gel in the bath or an exfoliating scrub. Once washed out, it finds itself as waste in the waterways and is often mistaken as food by fish. The irony here, is that the same fish is then consumed by humans.
So you understand how this is a viscous circle.
According to a study done on 330 white shrimps from the coastal waters of Cochin, Kerala, 128 microplastics were found on the soft tissues on these shrimps out of which 83% were fibres.

Presence of plastic in our food can lead to cancer, cardiovascular dysfunction, metabolic disorders, immunity problems ... Does this make you pause?

How a ban on microbeads will help

Plastic is a well known health hazard and has been an environmental concern since over a decade. So far countries like Australia, Canada, South Korea, UK, Netherlands, Italy, Sweden have started banning microbeads from being used in consumer products. India, however, is yet to attend the issue more seriously.

What can you do about it?

Look for products that do not have microbeads or microplastics like Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Nylon (PA), Polyurethane, Acrylates copolymer*

*some of these ingredients are water soluble in which case they are not eco pollutants