Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters in diameter that are considered a significant factor in environmental pollution. They are generally classified into two main categories: primary microplastics and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics are plastics that are directly produced as small particles. An example of this group is the microbeads in cosmetic products. Secondary microplastics are formed as a result of the breakdown of larger plastics in nature; for example, plastic bags, water bottles or textiles break down into smaller pieces and turn into microplastics over time.
In recent years, the use of microplastics in cosmetics and personal care products has been a subject of great debate. In some oral care and cosmetic products, especially toothpastes, facial cleansers and peeling products, microbeads, which are primary microplastics, are frequently used. These microbeads are used to improve the texture of the products and to provide a cleaning or exfoliating effect. However, when these products are washed, microplastics enter waterways and cannot be filtered even in wastewater treatment plants because they are too small to be recycled.
Microbeads are added to toothpastes used for oral care to provide an abrasive feature for cleaning teeth and remove plaque. However, these beads directly enter the sewage system after use, reaching waterways and contributing to microplastic pollution. In addition, some of these microbeads can leak into the gums over time and cause gum disease. They can also disrupt the bacterial balance in the mouth and cause health problems in human health.
Microplastics are used in various cosmetic products to create a peeling effect, increase product consistency or provide a brighter appearance. These microbeads, which are especially common in facial cleansers, shower gels and make-up materials, provide short-term care for the skin but pollute the environment in the long term. Microplastic ingredients contaminate the water and pose a major threat to marine life and the ecosystem.
1. Environmental Damage
Microplastics can contaminate natural habitats because they are usually too small to be filtered in wastewater treatment plants. When microplastics from cosmetics or oral care products reach oceans, lakes and rivers, they negatively affect the ecosystem there. Fish, crustaceans and other marine life digest microplastics and carry them into the food chain. This situation is risky for people who consume seafood. When microplastics accumulate in the human body, they can cause immune system disorders and various toxic effects.
2. Effects on Human Health
Microplastics in oral care and cosmetic products can enter the body directly by absorption through the skin or through the mouth. Microplastics in toothpaste in particular can be easily swallowed during tooth brushing. It is known that microplastics that enter the body can accumulate in the digestive system, liver and lymph nodes. This accumulation can cause stress on cells and contribute to cancer, hormonal disorders and other chronic diseases in the long term.
3. Chemical Load and Toxic Effects
The potential of microplastics to harm the body increases with chemical substances. Microplastics are coated with stabilizers, colorants and other additives during the production phase. When these chemicals enter the body, they can be released and disrupt hormonal balance and have negative effects on the endocrine system. In addition, microplastics have the ability to absorb environmental pollutants. Therefore, these particles can also be coated with heavy metals or pesticides in the environment and enter the body with harmful substances.
In order to protect the environment and human health, the European Union (EU) Commission decided to limit and ban microplastics in cosmetics, cleaning, agricultural and industrial products in 2022. This decision was adopted as part of a regulation that aims to prevent the release of approximately 500,000 tons of microplastics by 2025 within the scope of the EU's climate and environmental policies. With this regulation, the EU not only limits and bans microplastics, but also encourages the development of alternative and environmentally friendly products.
This decision is implemented within the framework of the REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals), which is supervised by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This regulation includes conditions and restrictions that must be adhered to at many stages from the production of microplastic products to their delivery to the consumer. The ban is binding in EU member states. It requires those member states to comply with their national legal regulations.
The decision gives different transition periods to manufacturing companies depending on the type of microplastics and the sector in which they are used. For example, the transition period for the use of microplastics in cosmetics and personal care products is given until 2025. This period may be longer for products such as fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture. In this way, sectors will have enough time to develop microplastic-free alternatives.
The decision of the European Union (EU) Commission to ban products containing microplastics is expected to bring many positive effects in the long term in the ecological, economic and health fields.
The contamination of microplastics in the seas, freshwater resources and soil has direct negative effects on fish, birds and other living species. The EU's decision to ban microplastics will prevent microplastics from mixing into the environment. Thus, the negative effects of microplastics on ecosystems will be reduced. In the long term, the reduction of microplastic pollution will contribute to the protection of diversity, especially in marine ecosystems. The protection of biodiversity is important for the sustainability of ecosystems both locally and globally.
The accumulation of microplastics in soil and water resources can have negative effects on plants and therefore on agricultural products. Microplastics accumulated in soil can negatively affect the growth and nutritional values of plants and reduce agricultural productivity. The EU's microplastic bans will reduce plastic pollution in agricultural areas and freshwater resources. This will support healthier and safer food production. In the long term, this step will improve food safety and sustainable farming practices throughout Europe.
There is a lot of scientific evidence that microplastics accumulate in the human body and harm the immune, reproductive and digestive systems. The number of these evidences is increasing day by day. The ban on microplastics aims to protect human health by reducing plastic exposure in many products used in daily life. This decision by the EU will help prevent microplastics from entering the food chain and drinking water. In the long term, it will reduce the risks to human health.
The microplastic ban will encourage businesses to develop environmentally friendly alternatives and increase investments in environmentally friendly technology. Companies that develop plastic-free, biodegradable or less environmentally damaging products will have a market advantage and increase their competitiveness in the EU market. In the long term, this will contribute to the creation of a more sustainable economy. At the same time, reducing pollution caused by microplastics will help reduce cleaning and treatment costs.
As a result of this decision taken by the European Union against microplastic products, manufacturers need microplastic analyses of their products. The European Union makes this mandatory for companies to put products on the market. Saniter is a laboratory company that provides manufacturers with the necessary analyses and tests for the products you will sell in European countries. Contact us for all our services regarding microplastic product analysis.
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