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Microplastics releasing from personal care and cosmetic products in China
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A survey of personal care and cosmetic products sold in Beijing found that about 7% of facial cleansers contained microplastic beads, providing data on the scale of microplastic release from consumer products in China. The findings support calls for regulatory limits on microbeads in cosmetics.
Microplastics (MPs) have become a major global issue; their release from various products affects the aquatic environment, especially marine ecosystems. As a primary source of MPs, personal care and cosmetics products (PCCPs) containing MPs contribute to this environmental risk. We visited several supermarket chains in Beijing, China to identify PCCPs containing MPs. Overall, 7.1% of facial cleansers contained MPs, with an average weight of 25.04±10.69mgMP/g and average size of 313±130μm; whereas, 2.2% of shower gel products contained an average weight of 17.80±7.50mgMPs/g with an average size of 422±185μm. The majority of MPs were made of polyethylene, based on Raman and Fourier transform-infrared spectra analyses, while only a few were made of walnut shells and carbon particles. Finally, estimated 39tons MPs were released into the environment based on PCCPs use in China based on available data.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.