Microplastics in cosmetics: Environmental issues and needs for global bans

Abstract

Despite the microbeads from cosmetic products do not contribute with high percentages to the microplastic pollution, they can pose a threat to the environment, being discharged into the water bodies and just partially blocked by the wastewater treatment plants. As environmental associations have been fighting for the abolition of microplastics in PCCPs, in many countries measures have been taken and bans are already operational or in process. Some cosmetic companies have voluntarily renounced the use of microbeads and some voluntary certifications of PCCPs prohibit their use. PCCPs recently analysed can contain levels of microbeads reaching 50,391 per g and can contribute with every single use to the introduction of 229,000 microbeads into the domestic sewage. Given the spread and danger of these pollutants, the problem is global and unthinkable to be solved by banning microplastic-containing products only in some countries, thus a general ban would be necessary.

Keywords: Environmental policies; Microbeads; Personal care and cosmetic products; Plastic pollution; Primary microplastic; Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).