Philippine environment groups urge crackdown on microbeads

Manila: Environmental groups in the Philippines have warned consumers on the dangers of using facial cleansing products containing plastic microbeads, they say these minute particles can harm the environment and pose a hazard to public health.

“Plastic microbeads in personal care products go straight to the drainage system and into water bodies and subsequently polluting the oceans with minuscule, non-biodegradable particles that are then eaten by aquatic organisms who mistake them for eggs or plankton,” Sonia Mendoza, president of the environmental watchdog, EcoWaste Coalition, said.

Microbeads are defined as plastic pieces or fibres measuring less than 5mm.

The typical microbeads found in personal care products that include cleansing products such as facial wash, shampoo and toothpaste are smaller than 1mm. These substances have replaced traditional, biodegradable alternatives such as ground nut shells, and salt crystals in cosmetic and cleansing products.

Citing the hazards posed by microbeads, EcoWaste and another pro-environment group, Oceania Philippines called on Philippine lawmakers to enact a law that would ban plastic microbeads in cleansing products.

“Our Congress should follow US regulatory action on plastic microbeads and pass our own Microbead-Free Waters Act,” Mendoza said.

US President Barack Obama’s last December 28 signed the Microbead-Free Waters Act.

According to the International Campaign against Microbeads in Cosmetics, “the microbeads used in personal care products are mainly

made of polythene (PE), but can also be made of polypropylene (PP), polythene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and

nylon.”

“Phasing out plastic microbeads in personal care products will help reduce alarming microplastic pollution of our oceanic waters. We hope that Congress will craft the necessary legislation and boost the growing movement against microbeads in cosmetics and for healthy fisheries and oceans,” said lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos, Oceania Philippines vice president.

Microbeads, once in the water, can attract and accumulate certain toxic chemicals.

“Environmental pollution found in waters, such as PCBs (the industrial pollutants polychlorinated biphenyls), gravitate and attach to the surface of plastic. If fish and wildlife species low on the food chain eat these contaminated plastics, the chemicals might be passed on to larger birds, fish and other animals that people eat,” Estenzo-Ramos said.

Santiago, for her part, said plastic microbeads are an unnecessary and harmful product that do not belong in the waterways. “They should be phased out of use as quickly as possible she,” said.