Canadá joins in the battle against microbeads
With this new legislative proposal, the country intends to add to the ranks in the fight against plastic microbeads in cosmetic products.
The authorities of several countries have already expressed their concern regarding the increasing presence of plastic microbeads in marine ecosystems, which later climb up the food chain. These microbeads are not only a direct threat to marine life, but their lack of biodegradability make them ideal candidates to go up the food chain links. So much so that there have been reports of microbeads present in organs or tissues of other animal species.
It´s true that cosmetic products are not even the main source of microplastics present in our oceans. Primary sources would be the decomposing plastic bodies present in oceans and coastal regions, which release microparticles slowly but surely. However, as a source that is available for control, the authorities seem to agree in their restriction. A position that is easily defensible, as every little will help.
Thus, Canada would approve this new piece of legislation, to enter into force on the 1 January 2018. According to it, there would be a ban on the manufacture, importation, sale or proposed sale of cosmetic products that contain plastic microbeads in their composition. According to this, a plastic microbead will be a «plastic particle of 5mm in diameter, regardless of size, shape, composition or density».
The deadline proposed would have all manufacture and importation of microbead-containing products by 1 July 2018, with a final phase out and ban on sale or intent to sell of 1 July 2019.