We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Presence of microplastic in personal care and cosmetic products from markets in Punjab, Pakistan
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic content in 103 personal care and cosmetic products (body scrubs and face washes) randomly sampled from markets in Punjab, Pakistan. They found that 45.6% of products contained plastic microbeads, with polyethylene microbeads present in 42.7% of products, and a higher prevalence in imported products compared to locally manufactured ones.
Abstract In order to assess microplastic content in personal care products in Pakistan, 103 body scrubs and face washes were randomly selected in August-October 2021 from different markets in Jhang, Multan, and Bahawalpur in Punjab, Pakistan. It was found that 47 (45.6%) products incorporated plastic microbeads, including 44 (42.7%) products that exhibited polythene microbeads. Overall, a higher proportion of imported products exhibited plastic microbead content than locally manufactured products.
More Papers Like This
Microbeads in personal care products sold in Pakistan: extraction, quantification, characterization, and buoyancy analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
Analysis of twelve personal care products sold in Pakistan — including face washes and scrubs — found plastic microbeads in all of them, ranging from ethylene-vinyl acetate to polyethylene and PET, with most particles sinking in water and therefore likely to settle in aquatic sediments after rinsing. This study underscores the need for stronger regulation of microbead-containing cosmetics in markets where bans have not yet been introduced.
Presence of Microplastic in Personal Care and Cosmetic Products from Markets in Punjab, Pakistan
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that nearly half of body scrubs and face washes sampled in Punjab, Pakistan contained plastic microbeads, with imported products more likely to include them than locally made ones. These microplastics wash directly down drains and into waterways, contributing to environmental contamination from everyday personal care routines.
Personal Care and Cosmetic Products as a Potential Source of Environmental Contamination by Microplastics in a Densely Populated Asian City
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed personal care and cosmetic products sold in a densely populated Asian city for microbeads and other microplastic ingredients, documenting the extent of microbead-containing products still on the market and estimating their potential contribution to municipal wastewater microplastic loads.
Microplastics in personal care products and cosmetics in Sri Lanka
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed 15 brands of personal care and cosmetic products sold in Sri Lanka for microplastic content, making it the first such study in the country. They found microplastics in products including face washes, facial scrubs, baby creams, and skin creams. The study highlights personal care products as a significant and often overlooked source of microplastic pollution entering waterways.
Microbead nuisance: Estimation of microplastic release into water bodies through personal care and cosmetic products
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that plastic microbeads in facial scrubs sold in India — made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or cellophane — contribute an estimated 4.7 × 10¹⁰ microbeads (roughly 3.8 tonnes) to the environment annually through largely untreated sewage systems.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.