Omar Khalid
Plastic microbeads are a common ingredient in consumer products such as toothpaste and exfoliating skin products. They are tiny, plastic beads that range in size from 10 millionths of a meter to one millimeter. While some varieties of plastic beads float in water, others sink. Floating microbeads are typically composed of polyethylene, polypropylene, or expanded polystyrene, whereas sinking microbeads are made of polyvinyl chloride, nylon, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These microbeads are not inherently toxic, but they can attract potentially harmful substances such as PCBs, triclosan, and nonylphenols when they enter water systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic beads used in consumer products | Microbeads in toothpaste and exfoliating skin products |
| Plastic beads that float in water | Polyethylene, polypropylene, and expanded polystyrene |
| Plastic beads that sink in water | Polyvinyl chloride, nylon, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) |
| Plastic beads size range | 10 millionths of a meter to one millimeter |
| Plastic beads shape | Round |
| Plastic beads toxicity | Not toxic but attract potentially toxic substances when in water |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic beads in consumer products
Plastic microbeads are a type of primary microplastic, defined as any type of tiny, solid plastic particle or fibre found as litter in oceans and other waterways. They are manufactured plastic beads used in health and beauty products, including soap, body scrubs, and toothpaste. Microbeads are added as exfoliants to health and beauty products, such as some cleansers and toothpastes. These tiny particles easily pass through water filtration systems and end up in the ocean and other waterways, posing a potential threat to aquatic life.
Microbeads were first introduced into consumer products such as toothpaste and exfoliating skin products as abrasives. Six varieties of the tiny beads are used. Those composed of either polyethylene, polypropylene, or expanded polystyrene are more likely to float, while those made of polyvinyl chloride, nylon, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are more likely to sink. A single container of face wash can contain hundreds of thousands of these microspheres. While the plastic beads themselves are not toxic, once they enter the water, they attract potentially toxic substances such as PCBs, triclosan, and nonylphenols.
Microbeads have been found to contaminate the aquatic food chain. Fish in the oceans and Great Lakes have been found to be contaminated with microbeads, which can carry toxins, cause internal abrasions, and stunt growth by giving fish a false sense of being full. One-third of the fish caught off the southwest coast of England were found to contain microbeads, and Belgian researchers found that an average portion of mussels can contain about ninety.
To address the issue of plastic microbeads in consumer products, the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 was passed in the United States. This law defines the term "plastic microbead" and sets deadlines for stopping the manufacturing and introduction of products containing microbeads into interstate commerce. The law also provides an extra year for products that are both cosmetics and non-prescription drugs, allowing companies more time to perform required safety testing for new formulations.
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Plastic beads composed of polyethylene, polypropylene or expanded polystyrene float
Plastic beads are a common ingredient in consumer products such as toothpaste and exfoliating skin care products. They are often invisible to the naked eye and can enter water systems, causing contamination. Plastic beads composed of polyethylene, polypropylene, or expanded polystyrene float, while those made of polyvinyl chloride, nylon, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are more likely to sink.
The buoyancy of expanded polystyrene beads, for example, is due to their composition, which is primarily air. These beads are created by applying steam to EPS resin, causing the Pentane gas in the resin to expand and the beads to grow up to 35 times their original size. This process results in extremely lightweight beads that are ideal for flotation devices such as swimming floats and pontoons.
Polyethylene and polypropylene beads also possess buoyant properties, making them suitable for applications such as swimming pool infill and buoyancy aids for children. Additionally, these materials offer flexibility, strength, and puncture resistance, as seen in the use of ARCEL, a co-polymer of polyethylene and polystyrene.
The ability of these plastic beads to float can have both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, their buoyancy makes them useful for flotation devices and water-related applications. On the other hand, when these beads enter water systems through consumer products, their tendency to float can lead to the contamination of aquatic environments and the food chain.
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Plastic beads attract toxins
Plastic microbeads are tiny plastic balls commonly found in face scrubs, body wash, toothpaste, and other cosmetics. They are designed to be rinsed down the drain and are small enough to pass through water filtration systems. As a result, they are entering our waterways and threatening the lives of the animals that live there.
While plastic microbeads are not themselves toxic, they attract and absorb toxic chemicals such as PCBs, triclosan, nonylphenols, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). These toxins are known to cause neurological problems, decreased immune function, and fertility issues. Once the microbeads are washed into the ocean, fish and other marine life consume them, mistaking them for fish eggs or food. The toxins are then passed on to humans who eat the contaminated seafood.
A study by RMIT University in Australia found that fish can absorb up to 12.5% of the pollution from microbeads. Additionally, researchers have found fish in the oceans and the Great Lakes contaminated with microbeads, with blocked digestive systems and nutrient deprivation. A study found that one-quarter of all fish sold in California markets had microplastics in their guts.
The accumulation of toxins on plastic microbeads has serious implications for both marine life and human health. To address this issue, some countries have passed laws banning plastic microbeads in personal care products. However, it is important for individuals to also take action by boycotting brands that use microplastics, reading labels, and properly disposing of products containing microbeads.
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Plastic beads are ingested by fish
Plastic beads, often referred to as "microbeads" or "nurdles", have been found to contaminate water systems and are ingested by fish. These beads are commonly used in consumer products such as toothpaste and exfoliating skin products as abrasives. While the beads themselves are not toxic, they attract potentially harmful substances such as PCBs, triclosan, and nonylphenols once they enter the water. As a result, when fish consume these beads, they also ingest the toxins that have become attached to them. This can lead to internal abrasions, stunted growth, and liver toxicity in fish.
The ingestion of plastic beads by fish is a growing problem, with over two-thirds of the fish species studied having consumed plastic. Fish in heavily polluted waters, such as those in East Asia, are particularly vulnerable, which is concerning as seafood from this region feeds 2 billion people. Additionally, predatory fish and those higher up on the food chain are at greater risk of consuming plastic.
The presence of plastic in fish can cause physical harm, such as jabbing, lacerations, and inflammation in their intestines. It can also lead to starvation by creating a false sense of fullness. Furthermore, the ingestion of plastic beads has been linked to the transfer of hazardous chemicals, including Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins (PBTs) such as DDT, mercury, and industrial chemicals. These toxins can bioaccumulate in the tissues of fish, leading to adverse health effects such as liver toxicity, pathology, and endocrine disruption.
The issue of plastic beads in water systems and their ingestion by fish is a complex one. While there are laws in place, such as the Clean Water Act, that allow for the discharge of "reasonable" quantities of pollutants, they may not be sufficient to address the problem effectively. The proliferation of microplastics in our streams, rivers, and oceans highlights the need for responsible handling and disposal of plastic materials to mitigate the impact on aquatic life and, ultimately, human health.
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Plastic microfibers from synthetic fabrics
The shedding of microfibers from synthetic fabrics is a pressing environmental concern as these microscopic plastic fibers are released into water systems. They are not easily degraded and can attract potentially toxic substances, such as PCBs, triclosan, and nonylphenols. These contaminated microfibers are then consumed by aquatic organisms, leading to internal abrasions, stunted growth, and the transfer of toxins up the food chain, eventually reaching humans.
To address this issue, some strategies can be employed. One approach is to opt for clothing made from natural fibers, such as wool or cotton, instead of synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. However, it is important to note that even "100% natural" clothing may contain chemical additives, and the switch to natural fibers alone may not be a comprehensive solution to the complex problem of microfiber pollution.
Another strategy is to reduce the number of microfibers shed during laundry. This can be achieved by choosing fabrics with a tighter weave and smoother texture, as they tend to shed less than loosely woven, fluffy, or fuzzy fabrics. Additionally, companies like Patagonia, known for their sustainability initiatives, recommend spot-cleaning their synthetic fleece products to minimize microfiber shedding. Furthermore, laundry bags like the Guppyfriend and laundry balls like the Cora Ball have been designed to capture microfibers during the washing process, reducing their release into the environment.
While these measures can help mitigate the problem, there is a need for standardized protocols and further research to establish definitive trends and compare the effectiveness of different solutions.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic beads composed of polyethylene, polypropylene, or expanded polystyrene are more likely to float, whereas those made of polyvinyl chloride, nylon, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are more likely to sink.
The buoyancy of plastic beads depends on the type of plastic they are made of and their density relative to water.
Floating plastic beads can attract potentially toxic substances such as PCBs, triclosan, and nonylphenols. They can then be ingested by aquatic organisms, potentially contaminating the food chain and causing internal abrasions and growth stunt in fish.
Yes, there are natural alternatives to plastic beads, such as apricot kernels or walnut shells, which are used as abrasive exfoliants and are less likely to cause environmental harm.
