Plastic microbeads were created in 1976 for use in sceintific research, where they are still quite useful. however their use quickly expanded into the cosmetics industry where they replaced natural abraxives like ground up nut shells. Now many jurisdictions are seeking to ban them.

Plastic microbeads were created in 1976 for use in scientific research, where they are still quite useful. however their use quickly expanded into the cosmetics industry where they replaced natural abrasives like ground up nut shells. Now many jurisdictions are seeking to ban the plastic beads.
Photo Credit: iStock via CBC

Major Canadian retailer to remove toxic chemicals

With increasing awareness of harmful agents in otherwise seemingly banal products, a major retailer in Canada is taking some action.

Loblaws, a major food and household products retailer, and its associated chain Shopper’s Drug Mart selling pharmaceuticals, health and household products retailer, have announced they will be removing three harmful ingredients from some of their store brand personal-care products.

There is currently no evidence that antibacterial soaps are any more effective at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water, the FDA says. Triclosan is suspected of interfereing with human hormones
There is currently no evidence that antibacterial soaps are any more effective at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water, the FDA says. Triclosan is suspected of interfereing with human hormones © Kiichiro Sato/Associated Press

This comes after a survey indicated 9 out 10 customers said they were concerned about potentially hazardous chemicals in the store’s personal care products.

Last month, owner Galen Weston said on the company website that by 2018 they will remove triclosan, commonly used in anti-bacterial products, and phthalates which are commonly used to make plastics flexible but which are also used in some perfumes, hair spray, deodorants, shampoos and more, and have been shown to cause damage to organs, including reproduction, in animal tests.

Triclosan- more harm than good?

Tiny plastic microbeads used in a wide variety of personal care products pass through water treatment plants and into the environment where they may harm fish and other aquatic life
Tiny plastic microbeads used in a wide variety of personal care products pass through water treatment plants and into the environment where they may harm fish and other aquatic life © CBC-As It Happens

On the same time frame they will remove micro-beads used as abrasives in products such as facial and body scrubs. These very tiny plastic beads, also used in some toothpastes, pass through waste-water treatment plants and end up in the environment where the plastic absorbs toxic chemicals and can be eaten by fish and other aquatic life which mistake them for tiny fish eggs or some other type of potential food.

Microbeads in Great Lakes-

On the website, Weston explained, “It may impact those of us who eat fish. And, it creates a life-cycle issue for us. We sell skin care with micro beads. We sell fish. And, in an odd twist, our beauty products may ultimately impact our commitment to sustainable seafood.”

A bold move?

Removing micro-beads from their products however may not be the major step it seems, depending on who manufactures the companies store brands and as laws come into effect imposing a ban.

Microplastics-beads and other minuscule plastic pollution

Major manufacturers Unilever, The Body Shop and Johnson & Johnson have committed to phasing out micro beads by the end of this year, while another  Proctor & Gamble said they will discontinue micro plastics by 2017.

Plastic microbead use has become widespread in personal care products from abrasive soaps and scrubs to toothpastes. athough there are natural alternatives such as ground-up nut shells
Plastic microbead use has become widespread in personal care products from abrasive soaps and scrubs to toothpastes. athough there are natural alternatives such as ground-up nut shells © 5 Gyres Institute

In addition, Canada’s most populous province passed a bill banning microbeads which should come into effect in 2017. While a federal bill is making it’s way through the Parliamentary process.

Several US states have micro-bead bans  which will also come into effect in the next few years, while the Netherlands plans to be the first country to completely ban micro-beads by the end of 2016.

 

 

Categories: Economy, Environment & Animal Life, Health, International
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