Microplastics are small pieces of plastic less than 5mm in length which are non-biodegradable consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms bound together in polymer chains and other chemicals, such as phthalates, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA).
Concerns
Microplastics have been detected in every part of the environment like marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems when products containing them are used. The microplastics that end up in the environment lead to permanent pollution of the ecosystem and food chain. Consequently, these microplastics are being ingested by humans and animals which have been shown to cause damage to human cells, including both allergic reactions and cell death. Restriction on microplastics
The European Commission has noted the increased concern about the impact of microplastics on the environment. To reduce the potential dangers of escalating plastics pollution ECHA proposed a restriction on microplastics in products to avoid or reduce their release to the environment. As a part of the plastic strategy, a consultation was performed on intentionally added microplastics. ECHA’s Committee of Risk assessment proposed its opinion on restricting microplastics, expecting to control the release of 500 000 tonnes of microplastics over 20 years.
References:
https://echa.europa.eu/view-article/-/journal_content/title/9109026-203
https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/microplastics
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