Microplastic Contamination

Plastic is a ubiquitous part of modern life, integrated into everything from automobiles to smartphones. You might be surprised to learn that it can also be found in everyday personal care products like toothpaste, body scrubs, deodorants, and even lip gloss.

Microplastics in Personal Care Products

Microbeads, tiny plastic particles included in numerous personal care items, are marketed for benefits like whitening teeth and smoothing skin. Despite their small size, these particles pose significant threats to wildlife, ecosystems, and possibly human health.

The Journey of Microbeads

These microplastics can be found in a variety of products, including creams, soaps, shampoos, and sunscreens, and are advertised for their exfoliating properties. However, their diminutive size often allows them to bypass water treatment facilities, resulting in contamination of water systems.

Microbeads in Aquatic Ecosystems

Research indicates that microbeads have infiltrated oceans and lakes, accumulating in marine life and ultimately entering the human food chain. The ingestion of these particles could expose humans to harmful toxins.

According to Bill Wareham of the David Suzuki Foundation, “Individuals often perceive personal cleaning products as safe, failing to recognize that harmful substances can be present.” He adds that small animals, such as plankton and fish, mistakenly consume these microbeads, leading to serious health issues.

Filter-feeding organisms, including mussels and clams, are particularly susceptible, facing risks like starvation and dehydration due to false satiety triggered by microplastics.

The Pollution Cycle

Microbeads not only persist but also attract harmful pollutants, making them even more dangerous for those who consume contaminated marine life. These toxins tend to accumulate in higher concentrations in larger predators like tuna and swordfish, which are common in our diets.

Microbead Pollution in Waterways

Current studies are investigating the extent and impact of microbead pollution in various water bodies.

Case Study: The Great Lakes

The nonprofit organization 5 Gyres has discovered an alarming average of 43,000 beads per square kilometer in the Great Lakes, with urban areas displaying even higher concentrations. Research published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research indicates that pollution levels in certain parts of the Great Lakes rival those found in vast oceanic gyres, with Lake Erie exhibiting the highest microplastic concentration.

In tests, fish from Lake Erie were found to contain an average of 20 plastic particles, while cormorants, which predate on them, had an average of 44 pieces.

Some samples taken from Lake Erie contained hazardous chemicals like PAHs and PCBs, known to contribute to cancer and birth defects.

Case Study: The St. Lawrence River

Microbeads have also been identified in the sediments of the St. Lawrence River, with some samples showing concentrations exceeding 1,000 microbeads per liter—levels comparable to the most polluted ocean sediments worldwide, as per recent scientific findings.

Advocating for Change

Growing awareness around the detrimental effects of microbeads has ignited a movement for change.

In a recent motion introduced in the House of Commons by New Democrat MP Megan Leslie, calls were made to classify microbeads as toxic substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, which would lead to their ban. While the motion received unanimous backing, it has yet to be followed by legislative action.

Leslie emphasized, “Microbeads are unnecessary and harm marine ecosystems. We must enforce regulations to protect our waters.” Meanwhile, Environment Canada has begun assessing the environmental impact of microbeads.

In the United States, states such as Illinois and New York have enacted bans on cosmetics containing microbeads, with further legislative actions being pursued in Minnesota, Ohio, and California. Quebec’s Green Party and Toronto officials are also calling for similar legislative measures.

Some corporations are proactively addressing this issue by phasing out microbeads in favor of biodegradable alternatives, with L’Oréal and Johnson & Johnson leading the way.

Getting Involved

To help eliminate microbeads, consider supporting the petition from 5 Gyres, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring healthy oceans, urging companies to replace microbeads with natural ingredients: 5gyres.org/microbeads.

The David Suzuki Foundation also encourages individuals to advocate for a nationwide ban by contacting their Members of Parliament. Wareham states, “Public support is crucial for regulating industries. Advocate for clean waterways and compel companies to act responsibly.”

Healthy Alternatives to Microbeads

Previously, numerous natural alternatives offered effective exfoliation without harmful effects. Ingredients such as oatmeal, ground walnut shells, apricot seeds, powdered pecan shells, and sea salt are excellent exfoliants.

“Simply returning to using soap and a washcloth can be an effective and eco-friendly solution,” advises Bill Wareham from the David Suzuki Foundation. “It’s a return to simpler, healthier practices.”

Ingredients to Avoid

When it comes to personal care products, be particularly mindful of two ingredients: polyethylene and polypropylene. “These indicate the presence of microbeads,” cautions Bill Wareham. Additionally, microbeads can also be made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

The Beat the Microbead campaign offers a comprehensive list of products containing these harmful ingredients, which is available for free download. Recent spot checks identified brands like Aveeno, Clearasil, and Neutrogena as containing these materials.