A study by Riya K. Alex, Cochin University of Science in collaboration with shows a case which alerts about the presence of microplastics in personal care products (PCPs) among them polyethylene(PE). The study throws up red flags around how these tiny plastic beads impact human health and the environment, particularly in a rapidly growing market like India.
Microplastics: What You Need to Know about this Emerging Environmental Issue
Microplastics Overview
- What are microplastics Microplastic is fragment of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size which also includes the particles known as microbeads.
- In face washes, scrubs etc. as Microbeads
Key Findings from the Study
- From the 45 personal care to be released in 2022,
- 23.33% contained cellulose based microbeads
- Microbeads were predominantly white and composed primarily of polyethylene (PE).
- In regard to honing in on products themselves: — Microbead content comprised 1.34% of the overall product weight.
Microbeads from Personal Care Products
- Face wash 0.26 grams of microbeads per 30 gram product
- In a sample of Face Scrub tested, CPSC found 0.90 grams per 30 gram portion of product to be products that contained microbeads.
- Body Scrub: 1.24 mg of microbeads in 30 g product
- For Shower Gel For every 30 grams of product, there are up to 1.74g microbeads
The effects on the environment of these Microbeads
- This creates pollution and a pathway for microbeads to enter the food chain.
- Worries about "greenwashing" and consumer confusion over ingredients lists.
Regulatory Landscape
- The applicability of India's microbead regulations is unclear.
- Forecast of a marked rise in microbead pollution by 2030.
Month: Current Affairs - August 31, 2024
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