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The President Signs National Microbead Ban

JANUARY 8, 2016--The NOAA Marine Debris Program has one less source of marine debris to combat following the signing of the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 by President Obama.

The new law bans plastic microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products which will help eliminate the daily release of an estimated 8 trillion plastic microbeads into our nation’s waters. Research conducted by the NOAA Marine Debris Program and its partners has shown that plastics persist for decades in aquatic and marine habitats and can absorb toxic chemicals which can be transferred to marine life when ingested. The removal of microbeads from cosmetics and personal care products is a positive step forward in combating marine debris in our waters.

For more information, contact Rachel.Keylon@noaa.gov.

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Toothpaste on a toothbrush.
Microbeads can be found in health and beauty products like toothpaste. (NOAA)
Last updated Tuesday, November 8, 2022 1:52pm PST