Congressman proposes federal microbeads ban

E&E News
By Sam Pearson
June 19, 2014

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) has introduced a bill to phase out microbeads, plastic particles that are increasingly found in the nation's waterways to the growing concern of environmentalists.

Pallone's bill would ban the sale or use of microbeads in cosmetics products, which are often washed down shower drains, where they enter the water system. The tiny beads can be used to exfoliate skin in facial scrubs or clean teeth in toothpaste, but pose a growing threat to wildlife, according to conservation groups. The beads' small size mean they often can't be cleaned up as easily as common trash or other pollutants, and they can absorb other chemicals and later be consumed by fish or birds. The tiny beads also usually can't be screened out of water systems by waste treatment plants.

"If we know that these products will eventually reach our waterways, we must make sure that they don't contain synthetic plastic that does not biodegrade and ultimately pollute our waterways," Pallone said in a statement. "We have a responsibility to put a stop to this unnecessary plastic pollution. By phasing out the use of plastic microbeads and transitioning to non-synthetic alternatives, we can protect U.S. waters before it's too late."

Several companies, including L'Oreal and Johnson & Johnson, have taken steps in recent months to voluntarily phase out microbeads from their products, but advocates worry that they may not follow through with their promises and that other companies may not join them.

Officials in states along the Great Lakes have been particularly concerned. Researchers estimated last year millions of the tiny particles are likely floating in the lakes there (Greenwire, July 30, 2013).

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman (D) issued a report earlier this year estimating that 19 tons of microbeads are flushed down the state's drains each year, posing a threat to rivers (Greenwire, May 16). And in Illinois, Gov. Pat Quinn (D) signed into law the first ban on microbeads earlier this month (Greenwire, June 9).

Quinn called the new Illinois law "an example for our nation to follow."