Toothpaste And Plastic: What's The Harmful Connection?

Plastic in toothpaste is a pressing issue that has gained attention in recent years. Microplastics, also known as microbeads, are minuscule plastic particles added to toothpastes and other personal care products. These particles are not water-soluble or biodegradable, leading to their accumulation in oceans and sewers, causing severe environmental damage. While some countries have taken steps to ban microbeads in rinse-off products, including toothpaste, many toothpastes still contain microplastics or sceptical microplastics. Consumers play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution by choosing plastic-free alternatives and supporting sustainable brands.

Microplastics in toothpaste are dangerous for the environment and human health

Microplastics in toothpaste are a serious issue, with far-reaching consequences for both the environment and human health. While many people believe that microplastics in toothpaste are a thing of the past, the reality is that they are still prevalent in many dental care products. In fact, out of 589 dental care products surveyed, 349 contained either microplastics or "sceptical microplastics", which are materials that may or may not be classified as microplastics pending further scientific research.

The term microbead refers to visible particles of plastic smaller than 5mm, which are usually spherical and have specific functions such as scrubbing, peeling, or exfoliating. Microbeads are a type of microplastic, and while they have been largely phased out of products, not all microplastics are microbeads. Microplastics are still widely used in cosmetics and personal care products, including toothpaste. They are added to products for various reasons, such as to make them easier to spread or rinse out, or to provide abrasive qualities, a timed release of active ingredients, bulk, or a longer shelf life.

The problem with microplastics is that they are not water-soluble or biodegradable, which means they can remain present in oceans or sewers for years. They can also absorb and carry harmful substances such as heavy metals and toxins, which further exacerbates their negative impact. Once in the oceans, microplastics are ingested by sea animals, causing their premature death and inability to reach adulthood and procreate. This, in turn, disrupts the natural flow of the ocean ecosystem and contaminates the fish that we eat, posing a direct threat to human health.

To address this issue, consumers can choose to purchase plastic-free toothpaste and dental products. Several brands now offer natural, plastic-free alternatives, and apps such as Beat the Microbead allow consumers to scan products to check for the presence of microplastics. By being mindful of the products we buy and supporting sustainable alternatives, we can help reduce the amount of plastic pollution in our oceans and mitigate the harmful effects of microplastics on both the environment and human health.

Microplastics are not biodegradable and are very resistant to degradation

Microplastics are a common ingredient in many personal care products, including toothpaste. They are small plastic particles, typically under 5mm in size, and are added to products for a variety of reasons, such as to aid in scrubbing or exfoliating. While some countries have taken steps to ban microbeads, a type of microplastic, from rinse-off products, microplastics are still ubiquitous in many care products.

The non-biodegradability of microplastics is due to the nature of the materials they are made from. Conventional, non-biodegradable plastics do not easily break down in the environment and can persist for hundreds of years. While biodegradable plastics are being explored as a potential solution, they still require specific conditions for degradation that can be difficult to achieve in natural environments. Mismanagement of biodegradable plastics can also lead to the creation of more plastic litter and microplastics.

The persistence of microplastics in the environment has raised concerns about their ecological impact. They can inhibit plant growth, alter microbial enzyme activities, and accumulate in various organisms. Additionally, microplastics have adsorption properties, allowing them to attract and carry harmful substances like heavy metals and toxins, further exacerbating their potential harm to both the environment and human health.

To address the issue of microplastics in toothpaste and other personal care products, consumers can opt for plastic-free alternatives. Several brands offer toothpaste and tooth tablets that are free of microplastics and promote zero waste. By making conscious choices, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable environment and reduce the negative impact of microplastics.

Microplastics are eaten by planktons and fish, entering the food chain and ending up on our tables

Microplastics are small plastic pieces less than 5mm long that can be harmful to marine and freshwater organisms. They are not water-soluble or biodegradable, so they remain present in the oceans or sewers for years. They can also enter the food chain when animals eat or ingest contaminated food materials.

Zooplankton, the microscopic sea organisms at the bottom of the food chain, are eaten by all kinds of fish. Fish ingest small pieces of plastic due to their continuous uptake of water. When other animals eat fish contaminated with microplastics, the microplastics move to the next level of the food chain. Eventually, microplastics move all the way up to the top of the food chain, which includes humans.

Toothpaste is one of many products that contain microplastics. They are added to toothpaste for their scrubbing and exfoliating properties. When toothpaste containing microplastics is rinsed out of our mouths, it flows straight from the bathroom drain into the sewer systems. Wastewater treatment plants don't filter out microplastics, so they end up in our oceans, where they are ingested by plankton and fish, entering the food chain.

While the term 'microplastic' is not consistently defined, it typically refers to small pieces of synthetic polymers. They are very resistant to biodegradation and persist in the environment for a long time. Microplastics have been found in oceans, lakes, and rivers worldwide, including all three of Canada's coasts, the Great Lakes, and Lake Winnipeg.

Many countries are moving towards banning microplastics in cosmetics and personal care products

Plastic in toothpaste and other personal care products is a growing concern for many consumers. Microplastics, minuscule particles of plastic under 5mm in size, are often added to toothpaste and other cosmetics as scrubbers or exfoliants, or to make the products easier to spread and rinse. These particles are not water-soluble or biodegradable, and as a result, they can remain in the environment for years, polluting oceans and posing a threat to marine life and potentially human health.

To combat this issue, many countries are taking steps to ban microplastics in cosmetics and personal care products. In 2012, Unilever became the first multinational company to announce the phasing out of plastic microbeads from their products worldwide, and since then, 448 brands from 119 different manufacturers have made similar promises. Additionally, as of May 2023, 19 countries have taken steps to ban microbeads, with 15 of those countries banning microbeads from rinse-off products. France became the first EU member state to implement a restriction on the use of microplastics in certain cosmetic and personal care products, and other non-EU member states such as the United States, Canada, South Korea, and New Zealand have also notified or implemented regulations banning certain microplastics in cosmetics.

The European Commission has also taken action, initiating a restriction procedure on microplastics in cosmetic products in 2018 and proposing to ban intentionally added microplastics in 2022. However, the proposed legislation has been criticised for being too slow and too limited, as it exempts water-soluble plastics and allows industrial nanoplastics to be used if they are undetectable. The cosmetics industry has been given up to 12 years to modify their products, and there are concerns that if certain ingredients are not included in the definition of 'microplastics', producers will find loopholes to continue using them.

Despite these challenges, progress is being made towards banning microplastics in cosmetics and personal care products globally. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the presence of microplastics in their products and are demanding change. With ongoing scientific research and advocacy from organisations like Beat the Microbead, it is hoped that more countries and companies will take action to reduce the use of microplastics and promote sustainable alternatives.

Consumers can choose plastic-free toothpaste and tooth tablets to reduce their plastic consumption

Consumers concerned about their plastic consumption can take several steps to reduce their plastic waste when it comes to dental care. Firstly, they can opt for plastic-free toothpaste, which is becoming increasingly popular, with many brands offering a variety of choices. These include well-known brands such as Colgate, which offers toothpaste tablets with fluoride, and Hello, which offers tablets without fluoride. Other brands like Huppy and Unpaste also offer toothpaste tablets that are plastic-free, vegan, and cruelty-free, with natural ingredients like peppermint oil, coconut oil, aloe vera extract, and xylitol.

Toothpaste tablets are a new concept, but they have been scientifically proven to fight cavities and boost oral health. They are also more sustainable and environmentally friendly, as they often come in recyclable packaging or minimal packaging, reducing plastic waste. Some users have praised the tablets for their effectiveness, their ability to produce foam, and their strong minty flavor.

In addition to toothpaste tablets, consumers can also explore tooth tablets, which are also free of microplastics and contain natural ingredients. For example, Fleeck offers toothpaste tablets that are free of microplastics and come in refillable packaging. These tablets are recognized by the Plastic Soup Foundation's free app, which allows consumers to check their personal care products for microplastics.

By choosing plastic-free toothpaste options and tooth tablets, consumers can play a significant role in reducing their plastic consumption and minimizing their environmental impact. These alternatives to traditional toothpaste in tubes offer effective oral care while being more sustainable and eco-friendly.

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