The really bad thing about microbeads

 

I have been looking into microbeads lately and have found a great deal of information on a website called "Plastic Soup Foundation" (the address is on the right hand side of my home blog page).  This is what they have to say!

"What are microbeads/microplastics?

Microbeads are a kind of microplastic with specific function for scrubbing or exfoliating. In cosmetics, “microplastic” refers to all types of tiny plastic particles (smaller than 5mm) that are intentionally added to cosmetics and personal care products. They are often used as emulsifying agents or just as cheap fillers.

 

Why are microplastics a problem?

These microplastics, hardly visible to the naked eye, flow straight from the bathroom drain into the sewer system. Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to filter them out; that is how microplastics contribute to the ‘Plastic Soup’ swirling around in our oceans.

Sea animals absorb or eat microplastics; these particles can then be passed along the marine food chain. Since humans are ultimately at the top of this food chain, it is likely that we also ingest microplastics. Microplastics are not biodegradable and once they enter the (marine) environment, they are almost impossible to remove.

Using body washes or cosmetics that contain microplastics can put the ocean, ourselves, and our children at risk!

 Exposure to microplastics.

Up until now, there has been consistent evidence indicating that exposure to plastics and the additives therein may lead to a variety of health complications. We know that plastic particles have been found in human feces, but what does plastic actually do to our bodies?

Phthalates, for example, are a group of chemicals that can be found in hundreds of cosmetics such as nail polishes and hair sprays. These chemicals are known endocrine disruptors and may cause certain hormone-related cancers. We already know that many additives in plastic are considered extremely harmful, but there is no complete understanding of the effects of plastic itself on human health yet.

The health impacts of plastic in all its forms should be a major concern for all of us. We are exposing ourselves to chemicals that are proving to be dangerous to our health and to the health of our fellow species. This is alarming!

So what do we look out for when we are buying products to ensure that there are no microplastics in them?

RED FLAGS - Avoid anything with these ingredients in!

• Acrylates Copolymer
• Acrylates Crosspolymer
• Butylene
• Carbomer
• Dimethicone
• Ethylene
• Methacrylate Copolymer
• Methacrylate Crosspolymer
• Methyl Methacrylate Copolymer
• Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
• Nylon 
•  Polyacrylamide

• Polyacrylate 
• Polypropylene 
• Polyurethane 
• Polyvinyl 
• Propylene Copolymer or Polypropylene 
• PVP 
• Styrene Copolymer 
• Tetrafluoroethylene 
• Vinyl Acetate Copolymer 
• VP/VA Copolymer  "                                                                                                                         
  

So these ingredients are definately to be avoided! If you don´t have the time for this, download the BTMB app (plastic soup foundation) and it will do it for you simply by using your phone as a barcode scanner.

The blog song for today is: "Park Life" by Blur

TTFN