New York seeks ban on plastic microbeads use in personal care products

The US state of New York is seeking ban on the use of plastic microbeads in personal care products as these ingredients pose a threat to marine life and environment because of their inability to decompose in wastewater treatment systems.

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the bipartisan Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 to federally ban cosmetics containing synthetic plastic microbeads.

The bipartisan bill will prohibit the sale and distribution of personal cosmetic products containing microbeads in the state.

Several manufacturers use plastic microbeads in personal care products like facial scrubs, body washes, hand cleansers, and toothpaste.

New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman said: "Microbeads are a threat to our environment, our wildlife, and our public health.

"New Yorkers wash more than 19 tons of microbeads down the drain every year. Strong, comprehensive regulation is the only way to stop this situation from getting worse. My bipartisan bill in Albany and Sen. Gillibrand’s bipartisan bill in Washington will both be major steps toward a cleaner, healthier state."

The state of Illinois has already banned plastic microbeads in consumer products and 13 other states, including New York are contemplating plans to implement this legislation.