The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) have submitted a proposal to restrict the use of microplastics that are intentionally added to mixtures used by consumers and professionals. It follows the consultation ran in early 2018 which aimed to collect information on such possible restrictions.
ECHA's assessment found that microplastics (or microbeads) are likely to accumulate in terrestrial environments, due to its concentration in sewage sludge, which is often used as fertiliser, as well as entering the water environment directly, due to the small size of the particles which pass through the water treatment system.
It was found that the persistence and the potential for adverse effects of bioaccumulation of microplastics is a cause for concern, where such plastics could last for thousands of years and are almost impossible to remove, once entered the environment.
The proposed restriction targets intentionally added microplastics in products from which they will inevitably be released to the environment. The definition of microplastic is wide, covering small, typically microscopic (less than 5mm), synthetic polymer particles that resist (bio)degradation.
The scope covers a wide range of uses in consumer and professional products in multiple sectors, including cosmetic products, detergents and maintenance products, paints and coatings, construction materials and medicinal products, as well as various products used in agriculture (which was found to be one of the biggest sources of intentionally added microplastics) and horticulture and in the oil and gas sectors.
In early 2018 England, and soon after Wales and Scotland, banned the sale, use and manufacture of rinse-off personal care products that contain microplastics. However, the ban did not cover other sectors.
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