States Drive Federal Action on Microbeads

Issue

Microbeads are exfoliants commonly found in personal care products like soap. Due to the small nature of microbeads, the majority of water treatment plants are unsuitable for removing them from outgoing water. Microbeads absorb toxins before being ingested by fish that mistake them as a source of food, and these toxins accumulate as they move up the food chain.

Action

NCEL educated members about the environmental damage caused by plastic microbeads. When states introduced bills, NCEL informed members of industry efforts to insert loopholes and troublesome definitions

Outcome

Over 30 states introduced bills, and state action led to the passage of a strong federal bill that prevents the sales of products containing microbeads.