Microgranules in cosmetic products are polluting New York's waters at an increasingly worrying level. Their action is compared to the pollution caused by plastics. Microgranules are present in various cosmetic products, with particular reference to facial cleansers, scrubs, shampoos, soaps and toothpastes. From New York comes a proposal to ban the ban.
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I microgranules present in cosmetics product are polluting the waters of New York at an increasingly worrying level. Their action is compared to the pollution caused by plastics. Microgranules are present in various cosmetic products, with particular reference to facial cleansers, scrubs, shampoos, soaps and toothpastes. From New York comes a proposal for put the ban.
Microgranules are commonly used as exfoliating and abrasive ingredients in the production of cosmetics, but unfortunately represent a real one threat to aquatic life. To address the problem, Eric T. Schneiderman, del New York State Attorney General, has decided to present a bill to safeguard the waters of New York. This is the Microbead-Free Waters Act.
The main objective of the proposal concerns the ban on microgranules from the production, distribution and sale of personal care products that contain particles composed of plastic materials measuring less than 5 millimeters. If the proposal is approved, New York will be the first state to ban micro-granules.
According to one study conducted in 2012, the pollution of the Great Lakes area is mainly caused by plastic, with particular reference to microgranules, the presence of which has been detected in very high concentrations. The polluting particles consist of polyethylene or polypropylene.
I microgranuli they are not biodegradable and when they flow down household drains, they reach the sewer system, and then end up in lakes, oceans and rivers, where they can absorb other pollutants. Pollution hazards increase when fish and aquatic animals ingest the microgranules inadvertently or mistaking them for food.
photo source: facebook.com
The pollution caused by microgranules does not only concern New York, but all the areas of the world where the beauty products that contain them are widespread and used. Some well-known companies have already communicated their commitment toeliminate microgranules from products by 2015. US consumers can detect the presence of microgranules in cosmetics more easily, thanks to Beat The MicroBead App.
How to recognize cosmetic and personal care products that contain microgranules?
Their presence is usually well indicated on the label by the description of the product characteristics. In the'list of ingredients we can go looking for substances like “polyethylene” e “polypropylene”. To protect the environment and reduce pollution, we can look for alternatives that do not contain them or create gods do-it-yourself cosmetics, as scrubs and exfoliants.
Marta Albè
Photo source: sustainablebrands.com
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INCI: how to read the list of cosmetic ingredients
