View source for Chemistry:Microbead

[[File:Microbeads legislation world map.svg|thumb|400px|Microbead legislation around the world
{{legend|#008000|Full ban}}
{{legend|#FF6600|Manufacture and import ban}}
{{legend|#FFCC00|Regional manufacture, import, or sales ban}}]]
'''Microbeads''' are manufactured solid plastic particles of less than one millimeter in their largest dimension.<ref>Arthur et al. (eds.). 2009. [http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/file/2192/download?token=5dvqb-YY Proceedings of the International Research Workshop on the Occurrence, Effects, and Fate of Microplastic Marine Debris.] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Technical Memorandum. NOS-OR&R-30</ref> They are most frequently made of [[Chemistry:Polyethylene|polyethylene]] but can be of other petrochemical plastics such as [[Chemistry:Polypropylene|polypropylene]] and [[Chemistry:Polystyrene|polystyrene]].
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They are used in exfoliating personal care products, [[Medicine:Toothpaste|toothpaste]]s, and in biomedical and health-science research.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07lfkq2|title=Microbeads, Meal kits, You and Yours - BBC Radio 4|website=BBC}}</ref>

Microbeads can cause plastic particle water pollution and pose an environmental hazard for aquatic animals in freshwater and ocean water. In the United States, the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 phased out microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics by July 2017.<ref name="H.R.1321 - Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015">{{cite web|title=H.R.1321 - Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1321|website=Congress.gov|date=28 December 2015|publisher=Congress.gov|access-date=14 July 2017}}</ref> Several other countries have also banned microbeads from rinse-off cosmetics, including Canada, France, New Zealand, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

==Types==
[[File:Plastic microbead Andrew Watts research.jpg|thumb|A microbead imaged using scanning electron microscopy]]
Microbeads are manufactured solid plastic particles of less than one millimeter in their largest dimension<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/19/us/8-trillion-microbeads-pollute-water-daily-irpt/index.html|title=8 trillion microbeads pollute U.S. aquatic habitats daily|author=Imam, Jareen|date=19 September 2015|publisher=CNN|access-date=20 September 2015}}</ref> when they are first created, and are typically created using material such as [[Chemistry:Polyethylene|polyethylene]] (PE), [[Chemistry:Polyethylene terephthalate|polyethylene terephthalate]] (PET), [[Chemistry:Nylon|nylon]] (PA), [[Chemistry:Polypropylene|polypropylene]] (PP), and [[Chemistry:Poly(methyl methacrylate)|polymethyl methacrylate]] (PMMA).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ec.gc.ca/ese-ees/ADDA4C5F-F397-48D5-AD17-63F989EBD0E5/Microbeads_Science%20Summary_EN.pdf|title=Microbeads – A Science Summary July 2015}}</ref> The most frequently used materials are polyethylene or other petrochemical plastics such as polypropylene and polystyrene.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.5gyres.org/microbeads/|title=Microbeads|publisher=5 Gyres|access-date=2 October 2015}}</ref><ref name="envca">{{cite web|url=http://www.ec.gc.ca/ese-ees/default.asp?lang=En&n=ADDA4C5F-1|title=Microbeads – A Science Summary|date=July 2015|publisher=Environment Canada|access-date=2 October 2015}}</ref> Microbeads are commercially available in particle sizes from {{convert|10|µm}} to {{convert|1|mm}}.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Graham|first=Karen|date=2017-09-07|title=Removing microplastics from tap water starts at treatment plants|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/tech-and-science/technology/removing-microplastics-from-tap-water-starts-at-treatment-plants/article/501870|access-date=2021-01-29|website=www.digitaljournal.com}}</ref> Low [[Physics:Melting point|melting temperature]] and fast [[Physics:Phase transition|phase transition]]s make them especially suitable for creating porous structures in ceramics and other materials.<ref>{{cite book |doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-407788-1.00007-1 |chapter=Producing Polymer Foams |title=Porous Materials |year=2014 |last1=Liu |first1=P.S. |last2=Chen |first2=G.F. |pages=345–382 |isbn=978-0-12-407788-1 }}</ref>

==Regional differences==
The parameters for what qualifies as a microbead change subtly based on location and the corresponding legal jurisdiction; minor distinctions in the definition may be encountered from one country to another.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|url=https://issp.uottawa.ca/sites/issp.uottawa.ca/files/microbeads_-_literature_review_2.pdf|title=Microbeads: "Tip of the Toxic Plastic-berg"? Regulation, Alternatives, and Future Implications}}</ref> For example, the U.S. official definition for a microbead, as per the ''Microbead-Free Waters Act 2015'' laid out by Congress, is "any solid plastic particle less than 5 millimeters in size that was created with the intention of being used to exfoliate or cleanse the human body."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1321/text|title=Text – H.R.1321 – 114th Congress (2015–2016): Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015|date=28 December 2015}}</ref> On the other hand, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the governmental agency responsible for Canada's microbead ban, settled on a definition which includes only plastics with diameters between 0.5 microns and 2 millimeters; although a diameter range of 0.1 microns to 5 millimeters was initially proposed, the definition was revised after consultation with members of industry and meeting resistance from plastic manufacturers who claimed that many of their raw materials (for example, those needed to make [[Chemistry:Plastic bottle|bottle]]s for soft drinks) would be covered by the ban, affecting their business unduly.<ref name=":02" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ec.gc.ca/ese-ees/ADDA4C5F-F397-48D5-AD17-63F989EBD0E5/Microbeads_Science%20Summary_EN.pdf|title=Microbeads – A Science Summary July 2015}}</ref> While the intent clause in the American law leaves open a loophole for producers of other equally frivolous and environmentally destructive products to potentially exploit in the future—as long as their use case does not involve grooming or personal care—the Canadian law has already been criticized publicly for its overly restrictive nature, which could cripple its efficacy in practice; in response to the revised definition, concerned conservation groups (including the Sierra Club of Canada) have raised warnings about the law's wording, fearing that Canada may "become a dumping ground for [those] microbead-containing products" which are now banned in the United States.<ref name=":02" />

==Use==
Microbeads are added as an exfoliating agent to cosmetics and personal care products, such as soap, facial scrub, and [[Medicine:Toothpaste|toothpaste]]s.<ref name="smith" /> They may be added to [[Medicine:Over-the-counter drug|over-the-counter drug]]s to make them easier to swallow.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inews.co.uk/news/environment/plastic-microbead-ban-products-you-wont-be-able-to-buy/|title=The products with microbeads you will no longer be able to buy from today|last=Snead|first=Florence|date=2018-06-19|website=inews.co.uk|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-13}}</ref>
In biomedical and health science research, [[Biology:Microbead (research)|microbeads]] are used in microscopy techniques, fluid visualization, fluid flow analysis, and process troubleshooting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcimag.com/Articles/Feature_Article/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000723862|title=Opaque Polyethylene Microspheres for Coatings Applications}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://consumerist.com/2015/12/29/say-goodbye-to-microbeads-president-signs-act-to-ban-microscopic-plastic-particles/|title=Say Goodbye To Microbeads: President Signs Act To Ban Microscopic Plastic Particles|last=Kieler|first=Ashlee|date=2015-12-29|website=Consumerist|access-date=2016-06-13}}</ref>

Sphericity and particle size uniformity create a ball-bearing effect in creams and lotions, resulting in a silky texture and spreadability. Smoothness and roundness can provide lubrication. Colored microspheres add visual appeal to cosmetic products.<ref>[http://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulating/ingredient/pigment/89521652.html Solid Polyethylene Microspheres for effects in color cosmetics] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304184713/http://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulating/ingredient/pigment/89521652.html |date=2012-03-04 }} Cosmetics and Toiletries.com, April 2010</ref>

==Environmental effects==
When microbeads are washed down the drain, they subsequently pass unfiltered through [[Earth:Sewage treatment|sewage treatment]] plants and make their way into rivers and canals, resulting in plastic particle water pollution.<ref>{{cite journal| last2=Sewell|first2=M.A.|date=2009|title=Contributing to marine pollution by washing your face: microplastics in facial cleansers|journal=Marine Pollution Bulletin| volume=58| issue=8| pages=1225–1228| doi=10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.04.025|pmid=19481226|last1=Fendall|first1=L.S.}}</ref> The beads can absorb and concentrate [[Chemistry:Pollutant|pollutant]]s like [[Biology:Pesticide|pesticide]]s and polycyclic hydrocarbons.<ref name="smith" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Johnston|first=Christopher|title=Personal Grooming Products May Be Harming Great Lakes Marine Life.|url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/microplastic-pollution-in-the-great-lakes/|date=June 25, 2013|access-date=February 1, 2016}}</ref> Microbeads have been found to pollute the Great Lakes in high concentrations, particularly Lake Erie. A study from the [[Organization:State University of New York|State University of New York]], found anywhere from 1,500 to 1.1&nbsp;million microbeads per square mile on the surface of the Great Lakes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/tiny-plastic-microbeads-pile-problems-great-lakes/|title=Plastic microbeads pile up into problems for the Great Lakes|website=PBS NewsHour|date=30 July 2014|access-date=2016-06-15}}</ref>

One study suggested that environmentally relevant levels of polyethylene microbeads had no impact on larvae.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kaposi |first1=Katrina L. |last2=Mos |first2=Benjamin |last3=Kelaher |first3=Brendan P. |last4=Dworjanyn |first4=Symon A. |title=Ingestion of Microplastic Has Limited Impact on a Marine Larva |journal=Environmental Science & Technology |date=4 February 2014 |volume=48 |issue=3 |pages=1638–1645 |doi=10.1021/es404295e |pmid=24341789 |bibcode=2014EnST...48.1638K }}</ref> Some [[Earth:Wastewater treatment|wastewater treatment]] plants (WWTPs) in the U.S. and Europe can remove microbeads with an efficiency of greater than 98%, others may not.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Murphy |first1=Fionn |last2=Ewins |first2=Ciaran |last3=Carbonnier |first3=Frederic |last4=Quinn |first4=Brian |title=Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) as a Source of Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment |journal=Environmental Science & Technology |date=7 June 2016 |volume=50 |issue=11 |pages=5800–5808 |doi=10.1021/acs.est.5b05416 |pmid=27191224 |bibcode=2016EnST...50.5800M |url=https://myresearchspace.uws.ac.uk/ws/files/262183/160418_Waste_Water_Treatment_Works_WwTW_as_a_Source_of_Microplastics_in_the_Aquatic_Environment.pdf }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Carr |first1=Steve A. |last2=Liu |first2=Jin |last3=Tesoro |first3=Arnold G. |title=Transport and fate of microplastic particles in wastewater treatment plants |journal=Water Research |date=March 2016 |volume=91 |pages=174–182 |doi=10.1016/j.watres.2016.01.002 |pmid=26795302 }}</ref> As such, other sources of microplastic pollution (e.g. [[Engineering:Microfiber|microfiber]]s/[[Chemistry:Fiber|fiber]]s and car tires) are more likely to be associated with environmental hazards.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lea|first=Robert|date=2021-01-13|title=The True Extent of Microplastic Pollution Caused by Clothing Revealed|url=https://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=28642|access-date=2021-01-29|website=AZoCleantech.com|language=en}}</ref>

A variety of wildlife, from insect larvae, small fish, amphibians and turtles to birds and larger mammals, mistake microbeads for their food source. This ingestion of plastics introduces the potential for toxicity not only to these animals but to other species higher in the food chain.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gunawardana|first=Maleesha|date=|title=The Macro Problems of Microbeads In Sri Lankan Seas|url=https://roar.media/english/life/environment-wildlife/the-macro-problems-of-microbeads|access-date=2020-12-20|website=roar.media|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Hettiarachchi|first=Dineshani|date=13 June 2020|title=Microplastics – The silent killer|url=http://www.themorning.lk/microplastics-the-silent-killer/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=www.themorning.lk}}</ref> Harmful chemicals thus transferred can include [[Chemistry:Hydrophobic|hydrophobic]] pollutants that collect on the surface of the water such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Nalbone |first1=Jennifer |last2=Schneiderman |first2=Eric T |last3=Srolovic |first3=Lemuel M |title=Unseen threat: how microbeads harm New York waters, wildlife, health and environment |date=2014 |publisher=Office of the Attorney General |oclc=927110175 |url=https://nysl.ptfs.com/data/Library1/Library1/pdf/927110175.pdf }}</ref>

Because the negative impacts of microbeads are a recent discovery, there is still debate about the extent to which they harm various marine life. Despite this uncertainty in the scientific community, there is widespread consensus that microbeads are harmful to marine life. Current methods for cleaning microplastics from the ocean are inefficient, unscalable, and economically infeasible, which serves to intensify the harms they pose.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pan |first1=Yusheng |last2=Gao |first2=Shu-Hong |last3=Ge |first3=Chang |last4=Qun |first4=Gao |last5=Huang |first5=Sijing |last6=Kang |first6=Yuanyuan |last7=Luo |first7=Gaoyang |last8=Zhang |first8=Ziqi |last9=Fan |first9=Lu |last10=Zhu |first10=Yongming |last11=Wang |first11=Ai-Jie |title=Removing microplastics from aquatic environments: A critical review |journal=Environmental Science and Ecotechnology |date=13 Jan 2023 |doi=10.1016/j.ese.2022.100222 |pmid=36483746 |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9722483/ |access-date=24 Jan 2024|pmc=9722483 }}</ref> Because their lifespan cannot easily be reduced, the current best method to reduce pollution is to invest in their prohibition.

==Banning production and sale in cosmetics==
In 2012, the North Sea Foundation and the Plastic Soup Foundation launched an [[Mobile app|app]] allowing Dutch consumers to check whether personal care products contain microbeads.<ref>{{cite web| title=In short - Beat the Microbead| publisher=Beat the Microbead| url=http://www.beatthemicrobead.org/en/in-short| access-date=November 25, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022041439/http://www.beatthemicrobead.org/en/in-short| archive-date=October 22, 2014| url-status=dead}}</ref> In the summer of 2013, the [[Organization:United Nations Environment Programme|United Nations Environment Programme]] and UK-based NGO [[Organization:Fauna and Flora International|Fauna and Flora International]] joined the partnership to further develop the app for international audiences. The app has enjoyed success, convincing a number of large multinationals to stop using microbeads,<ref>{{cite web| title=Results - Beat the Microbead| url=http://www.beatthemicrobead.org/en/results| publisher=Beat the Microbead| access-date=November 25, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022041604/http://www.beatthemicrobead.org/en/results| archive-date=October 22, 2014| url-status=dead}}</ref> and is available in seven languages.
There are many natural and biodegradable alternatives to microbeads that have no environmental impact when washed down the drain, as they will either [[Medicine:Decomposition|decompose]] or get filtered out before being released into the natural environment. Some examples to use as natural exfoliates include ground-up almonds, oatmeal, sea salt, and coconut husks.<ref>{{Cite web
| url = http://glslcities.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Microbeads-Fact-Sheet_June-2015.pdf
| title = Micro plastics in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Region.
| date = June 4, 2015
}}</ref> Burt's Bees and St. Ives use apricot pits and cocoa husks in its products instead of microbeads to reduce their negative environmental impact.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/facial-scrubs-polluting-great-lakes-with-plastic-1.1327850|title=Facial scrubs polluting Great Lakes with plastic|date=July 31, 2013|access-date=February 1, 2016|via=CBC News}}</ref>

Due to the increase in bans of microbeads in the United States, many cosmetic companies had also been phasing out microbeads from their production lines.<ref name="Xanthos & Walker 2017">{{cite journal |last1=Xanthos |first1=Dirk |last2=Walker |first2=Tony Himani R. |title=International policies to reduce plastic marine pollution from single-use plastics (plastic bags and microbeads): A review |journal=Marine Pollution Bulletin |date=May 2017 |volume=118 |issue=1–2 |pages=17–26 |doi=10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.048 |pmid=28238328 }}</ref> L'Oréal had phased out polyethylene microbeads in the exfoliates, cleansers and shower gels from its products by 2017.<ref>{{Cite web
| url = http://www.loreal.com/media/news/2014/jan/l'oréal-commits-to-phase-out-all-polyethylene-microbeads-from-its-scrubs-by-2017
| title = L'oread commits to phase out all polyethylene microbeads from its scrubs by 2017.
| date = January 29, 2014
| website = L'Oreal
| access-date = February 1, 2016
}}</ref> Johnson and Johnson, who had already started to phase out microbeads at the end of 2015, had stopped producing polyethylene microbeads in their products by 2017.<ref>{{Cite web| url = http://www.safetyandcarecommitment.com/ingredient-info/other/microbeads| title = Microbeads| date = December 10, 2016| website = Our Safety & Care Commitment| publisher = Johnson and Johnson| access-date = February 1, 2016}}</ref> Lastly, Crest had phased out microbeads in its toothpastes in the U.S. by February 2016, and globally by 2017.<ref>{{Cite web| url = http://crestfaq.tumblr.com| title = Frequently Asked Questions About Microbeads| date = August 23, 2014| website = Crest| access-date = February 1, 2016}}</ref>

The following countries have taken action towards ban on microbeads.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
|-
! rowspan=1 width= "15%" | State
! rowspan=1 width= "20%" | Sales ban effective date
! rowspan=1 width= "65%" | Scope
|-
|{{Flagicon|Argentina}} {{wipe|Argentina}}
|29 December 2022
|Ban on import, manufacture, and sale of microbeads in cosmetics.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Havens|first=Raissa|date=|title=Argentina Prohibits Plastic Microbeads in Cosmetic Products|url=https://msc.ul.com/en/resources/article/argentina-prohibits-plastic-microbeads-in-cosmetic-products/|access-date=2021-04-26|website=UL Materials & Supply Chain}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Canada}} {{wipe|Canada}}
| 1 January 2018
| Ban on microbeads smaller than 5&nbsp;mm in size.
|-
|{{flagicon|China}} {{wipe|China}}
| 31 December 2022
| Ban on sale, following a ban on production two years earlier (31 December 2020).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalcosmeticsnews.com/china-to-ban-production-of-cosmetics-containing-microbeads-by-2020-end/|title = China to ban production of cosmetics containing microbeads by 2020 end|date = 5 December 2019}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|France}} {{wipe|France}}
| 1 January 2018
| Ban on import, manufacture, and sale of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chemicalwatch.com/50368/france-to-ban-microplastics-in-some-cosmetics-products|title=France to ban microplastics in some cosmetics products|access-date=16 March 2018}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Ireland}} Ireland
| 20 February 2020
| Ban on microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics.<ref name="Ireland">{{Cite web|url=https://greennews.ie/microbead-law-ireland/|title = Green News Ireland is under construction}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Italy}} Italy
| 1 January 2020
| Ban on microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chemicalwatch.com/67533/italy-to-ban-microplastics-used-in-rinse-off-cosmetics-products?q=microbead|title=Italy to ban microplastics used in rinse-off cosmetics products|access-date=19 June 2018}}</ref><ref name="BTM">{{cite web|url=https://www.beatthemicrobead.org/ban-on-microbeads-in-uk-italy-and-new-zealand/|title=Ban on microbeads in UK, Italy and New Zealand - Beat the Microbead|website=www.beatthemicrobead.org|date=22 December 2017|access-date=16 March 2018}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Earth:New Zealand|New Zealand]]
| 7 June 2018
| Ban on import, manufacture, and sale of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfe.govt.nz/waste/plastic-microbeads|title=Plastic microbeads ban - Ministry for the Environment|website=www.mfe.govt.nz|access-date=29 April 2018}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|South Korea}} {{wipe|South Korea}}
| 1 July 2017
| Ban on sale of microbeads in cosmetics.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cosmetic.chemlinked.com/news/cosmetic-news/korea-bans-plastic-microbeads-cosmetics|title=Korea Bans Plastic Microbeads in Cosmetics|date=2017-07-04|website=cosmetic|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Sweden}} Sweden
| 1 January 2019
| Ban on sale of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics, following an earlier ban on import and manufacture (1 July 2018).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chemicalwatch.com/63737/sweden-adopts-microbeads-ban-in-rinse-off-cosmetics|title=Sweden adopts microbeads ban in rinse-off cosmetics|access-date=16 March 2018}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Taiwan}} Taiwan
| 1 July 2018
| Ban on sale of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics, following an earlier ban on import and manufacture (1 January 2018).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chemicalwatch.com/asiahub/58391/|title=Taipei brings forward microbeads ban|website=AsiaHub|access-date=29 April 2018}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Thailand}} Thailand
| 1 January 2020
| Ban on import, manufacture, and sale of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-trends/Thailand-s-plastic-ban-prompts-producers-to-be-eco-friendly|title=Thailand's plastic ban prompts producers to be eco-friendly}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|UK}} {{wipe|United Kingdom}}
| 1 October 2018
| Ban on the use of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products. England and Scotland (19 June 2018), Wales (30 June 2018), Northern Ireland (1 October 2018).
|-
|{{flagicon|USA}} {{wipe|United States}}
| 1 July 2017
| Ban on manufacture of microbeads for rinse-off cosmetics at the federal level.
|}

===Australia===
In 2016, the federal and state governments agreed to support a voluntary industry phase-out of microbeads in rinse-off personal care, cosmetic, and cleaning products. An independent assessment in 2020 found that more than 99% of products it inspected were microbead-free.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/plastics-and-packaging/plastic-microbeads#2020-independent-microbead-assessment |title=Plastic microbeads |website=Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water |date=11 October 2021 |access-date=30 May 2023}}</ref> The New South Wales state government banned the supply of rinse-off personal care products containing microbeads, effective from 1 November 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/waste/reducing-your-household-waste/what-are-microbeads |title=Microbeads |website=NSW Environment Protection Authority |date=1 June 2022 |access-date=30 May 2023}}</ref>

===Canada===
On May 18, 2015, Canada took its first steps toward banning microbeads when a Member of Parliament from Toronto, John McKay, introduced Bill C-680, which would ban the sale of microbeads.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DocId=7983635|title=Bill C-680|website=House of Commons of Canada|access-date=February 1, 2016}}</ref> The first Canadian province to take action against microbeads was Ontario, where Maire-France Lalonde, a Member of the Provincial Parliament, introduced the Microbead Elimination and Monitoring Act.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&BillID=3194&detailPage=bills_detail_debates|title=Bill 75, Microbead Elimination and Monitoring Act, 2015|last=Lalonde|first=Maire-France|website=Legislative Assembly of Ontario|access-date=February 1, 2016|archive-date=January 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105212137/http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&BillID=3194&detailPage=bills_detail_debates|url-status=dead}}</ref> This bill enforced the ban of manufacturing microbeads in cosmetics, facial scrubs or washes, and similar products. The bill also proposed that there would be yearly samples taken from the Canadian Great Lakes, which would be analyzed for traces of microbeads.<ref name=":0" />

Pointe-Claire mayor Morris Trudeau and members of the City Council requested Pointe-Claire residents to sign a petition asking governments of Canada and Quebec to ban "the use of plastic microbeads in cosmetic and cleansing products." Trudeau suggested that if Quebec banned microbeads, manufactures would be encouraged to stop producing them in their products.<ref>{{Cite web| url = http://www.pointe-claire.ca/en/information-city-of-pointe.html| title = Pointe-Claire asks for a ban on plastic microbeads| date = September 11, 2015| website = City of Pointe-Claire| access-date = February 1, 2016}}</ref> Megan Leslie, Halifax Member of Parliament, presented a motion against microbeads in the House of Commons, which received "unanimous support" and was hoping for them to be listed under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act as a toxin.<ref>{{Cite news| url = http://www.thecoast.ca/halifax/megan-leslie-wants-a-ban-on-microbeads/Content?oid=4601345| title = Megan Leslie wants a ban on microbeads.| last = Windsor| first = Hillary| date = April 16, 2015| access-date = February 1, 2016}}</ref>

On June 29, 2016, the Federal Government of Canada added microbeads in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act under Schedule 1 as a toxic substance.<ref name="Xanthos & Walker 2017"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://environmentaldefence.ca/2016/06/29/statement-environmental-defences-maggie-macdonald-federal-governments-decision-microbeads/|title=Statement by Environmental Defence's Maggie MacDonald on federal government's decision on microbeads - Environmental Defence|date=29 June 2016|access-date=4 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929021437/http://environmentaldefence.ca/2016/06/29/statement-environmental-defences-maggie-macdonald-federal-governments-decision-microbeads/|archive-date=29 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The import or manufacture of toiletries containing microbeads was banned on January 1, 2018, and sales were banned from July 1, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/canada-bans-microbeads/|title=Canada Has Officially Banned Toiletries That Contain Plastic Microbeads|access-date=10 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/11/04/canadian-government-moves-to-ban-plastic-microbeads-in-toiletries-by-july-2018.html|title=Canadian government moves to ban plastic microbeads in toiletries by July 2018|date=4 November 2016|access-date=10 January 2018|via=Toronto Star}}</ref> Microbeads in natural health products and non-prescription drugs were also banned in 2019.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pettipas |first1=Shauna |last2=Bernier |first2=Meagan |last3=Walker |first3=Tony R. |title=A Canadian policy framework to mitigate plastic marine pollution |journal=Marine Policy |date=June 2016 |volume=68 |pages=117–122 |doi=10.1016/j.marpol.2016.02.025 }}</ref><ref name="Xanthos & Walker 2017"/>

===Ireland===
In November 2016, Simon Coveney, the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, said that the Fine Gael–led government would press for an EU-wide ban on microbeads and rejected a Green Party bill banning them on the basis that it might conflict with the EU's [[Organization:European Single Market#Goods|freedom of movement of goods]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Written answers: Environmental Policy |url=https://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2016-11-16a.312 |website=KildareStreet.com |access-date=13 November 2019 |date=16 November 2016}}; {{cite web |title=Seanad debates: Micro-plastic and Micro-bead Pollution Prevention Bill 2016: Second Stage |url=https://www.kildarestreet.com/sendebates/?id=2016-11-23a.523 |website=KildareStreet.com |access-date=13 November 2019 |date=23 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="Coveney2016">{{Cite press release |url=http://www.housing.gov.ie/planning/maritime-spatial-planning/minister-coveney-addresses-green-partys-private-members-bill|title=Minister Coveney addresses the Green Party's Private Members Bill on Microbeads|last=Kiernan|first=Eddie|date=2016-11-23|newspaper=Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government|access-date=20 December 2016}}</ref> In June 2019, Coveney's successor Eoghan Murphy introduced the Microbeads (Prohibition) Bill 2019, which would ban manufacture, sale, and export of rinse-off microbead products.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/oireachtas/ireland-to-be-first-eu-country-to-ban-plastic-microbeads-in-cleaners-d%C3%A1il-told-1.3932542|work=Irish Times|date=20 June 2019|title=Ireland to be first EU country to ban plastic microbeads in cleaners, Dáil told}}; {{cite web |title=Microbeads (Prohibition) Bill 2019 – No. 41 of 2019 |url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2019/41/?tab=debates |website=Bills |publisher=Oireachtas |access-date=13 November 2019 |language=en-ie |date=14 June 2019}}</ref> The government also intends to include microbeads when updating the law on preventing marine pollution.<ref name="Coveney2016"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Written answers: Maritime Spatial Planning |url=https://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2018-06-20a.530 |website=KildareStreet.com |access-date=13 November 2019 |date=20 June 2018}}</ref> Microbeads were banned in February 2020.<ref name="Ireland"/>

===Netherlands===
The Netherlands was the first country to announce its intent to be free of microbeads in cosmetics by the end of 2016.<ref>{{cite web| title=Beat the Microbead: Nederland spreekt zich uit| url=http://plasticsoupfoundation.org/nieuws/beat-the-microbead-nederland-spreekt-zich-uit/| publisher=Plastic Soup Foundation| date=October 29, 2014| access-date=November 25, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129150840/http://plasticsoupfoundation.org/nieuws/beat-the-microbead-nederland-spreekt-zich-uit/| archive-date=November 29, 2014| url-status=live|language=NL}}</ref> State Secretary for Infrastructure and the Environment Mansveld has said she is pleased with the progress made by the members of the Nederlandse Cosmetica Vereniging (NCV), the Dutch trade organisation for producers and importers of cosmetics,<ref>{{cite web| title=Appreciatie RIVM rapport en stand van zaken microplastics en geneesmiddelen| url=https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/kst-27625-329.html| publisher=Rijksoverheid| date=October 28, 2014}}</ref> who have ceased using microbeads or are working towards removing microbeads from their product. Among the NCV's members are large multinationals such as [[Company:Unilever|Unilever]], L'Oréal, [[Company:Colgate-Palmolive|Colgate-Palmolive]], Henkel, and Johnson & Johnson.{{citation needed|date=June 2015}}

===South Africa===
A ban on microbeads has been proposed in South Africa after microplastic pollution was found in [[Earth:Tap water|tap water]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/government-considering-ban-on-microbeads-after-gauteng-drinking-water-is-found-to-be-contaminated-20180809|title=Government considering ban on microbeads after Gauteng drinking water is found to be contaminated|access-date=20 August 2018}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
The British government has banned the production of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics and cleaning products in England<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/1312/contents/made|title=The Environmental Protection (Microbeads) (England) Regulations 2017|website=www.legislation.gov.uk|access-date=16 March 2018}}</ref> effective 9 January 2018,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/09/plastic-microbeads-ban-enters-force-in-uk|title=Plastic microbeads ban enters force in UK |work=The Guardian|date=9 January 2018|access-date=9 January 2018}}</ref> followed by a sales ban on 19 June 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/face-scrubs-and-toothpastes-hit-as-ban-on-microbeads-begins-11409212|title=Face scrubs and toothpastes hit as ban on microbeads begins|access-date=19 June 2018}}</ref><ref name="Gov">{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/world-leading-microbeads-ban-comes-into-force|title=World leading microbeads ban comes into force|access-date=19 June 2018}}</ref> Scotland introduced its own manufacture and sales ban on the same day<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chemicalwatch.com/63809/scotland-announces-microbeads-ban|title=Scotland announces microbeads ban|access-date=16 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="Gov"/> and Wales introduced its on 30 June 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chemicalwatch.com/63541/wales-to-ban-microbeads-from-june|title=Wales to ban microbeads from June|access-date=19 June 2018}}</ref> The ban was extended to Northern Ireland from 11 March 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2019/18/made|title=The Environmental Protection (Microbeads) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019|date=11 July 2018|website=legislation.co.uk|publisher=UK Government|access-date=2 November 2019}}</ref>

===United States===

====National====
At the federal level, the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 prohibits the manufacture and introduction into interstate commerce of rinse-off cosmetics containing intentionally-added plastic microbeads by July 1, 2017. Representative Frank Pallone proposed the bill in 2014 (H.R. 4895, reintroduced in 2015 as [https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1321 H.R. 1321]). On December 7, 2015, his proposal was narrowed by amendment to rinse-off cosmetics, and passed unanimously by the House.<ref name="OpenCongressHR1321">{{cite web |title = Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 1321, S. 2425|url = https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/12/28/statement-press-secretary-hr-1321-s-2425|date = 2015|via = National Archives|work = whitehouse.gov|access-date = 2015-12-29}}</ref> The American Chemistry Council and other industry groups supported the final bill,<ref name="smith">{{cite web | url=http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/five-things-know-about-congress-vote-ban-microbeads-180957501/ | title=Five Things to Know About Congress' Vote to Ban Microbeads | work=Smithsonian magazine | date=10 December 2015 | access-date=10 December 2015 | author=Danny Lewis}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Kari|first1=Embree|title=U.S. House passes legislation to ban plastic microbeads|url=http://www.plasticstoday.com/articles/us-house-passes-legislation-to-ban-plastic-microbeads-151208|website=Plastics Today|access-date=2015-12-10|date=2015-12-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=H.R.1321 - To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the manufacture and introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of rinse-off cosmetics containing intentionally-added plastic microbeads.|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1321/|website=Congress.gov|publisher=Congress.gov|access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref> which the Senate passed on December 18, 2015, and the president signed on December 28, 2015.<ref name="OpenCongressHR1321" /> Since the act took effect, the use of microbeads in toothpaste and other rinse-off cosmetic products has been discontinued in the U.S.;<ref>{{Cite web|title=What Are Microbeads In Toothpaste?|url=https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/what-are-microbeads-in-toothpaste|work=[[Company:Colgate-Palmolive|Colgate]]|date=|access-date=November 28, 2022}}</ref> however, since 2015, many industries have instead shifted toward using FDA-approved "rinse-off" [[Chemistry:Metallised film|metallized-plastic]] glitter as their primary abrasive agent.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Caity Weaver|title=What Is Glitter? A strange journey to the glitter factory.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/21/style/glitter-factory.html|work={{wipe|The New York Times}}|date=December 21, 2018|access-date=November 28, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Trisha Bartle|title=TikTok Is Going Deep On The Glitter Conspiracy Theories–Is It Toothpaste, Boats, Or Something Else?|url=https://collective.world/tiktok-is-going-deep-on-the-glitter-conspiracy-theories-is-it-toothpaste-boats-or-something-else/|work=Collective World|date=October 17, 2022|access-date=November 28, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|author=Beccy Corkill|title=The Glitter Conspiracy Theory: Who Is Taking All Of The Glitter?|url=https://www.iflscience.com/the-glitter-conspiracy-theory-who-is-taking-all-of-the-glitter-66761|work=IFLScience|date=December 21, 2022|access-date=January 18, 2023}}</ref>

====States====
Illinois became the first U.S. state to enact legislation banning the manufacture and sale of products containing microbeads; the two-part ban went into effect in 2018 and 2019.<ref>{{cite web| title=Governor Quinn Signs Bill to Ban Microbeads, Protect Illinois Waterways| url=http://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=2&RecNum=12313| publisher=Illinois Government News Network| date=June 8, 2014}}</ref> The Personal Care Products Council, a trade group for the cosmetics industry, came out in support of the Illinois bill.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Jim|title=Momentum building for plastic microbead bans|url=http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20140509/NEWS/140509903/momentum-building-for-plastic-microbead-bans|access-date=8 August 2015|work=Plastics News|date=May 9, 2014}}</ref> Other states have followed.

{{As of|October 2015}}, all state bans except California's ban, had allowed biodegradable microbeads.<ref>Paul Rogers (9 October 2015) [http://www.contracostatimes.com/breaking-news/ci_28942016/plastic-microbeads-and-state-coal-investments-banned-gov Plastic microbeads and state coal investments banned as Gov. Jerry Brown signs new laws] East Bay Times.</ref><ref name=ca/> Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble opposed the California law.<ref name="latimes">{{cite news|last1=Mason|first1=Melanie|title=Products with plastic microbeads to be banned under new California law|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-pc-plastic-microbeads-ban-20151008-story.html|access-date=10 October 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=October 8, 2015}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
|-
! rowspan=1 width= "15%" | State/territory
! rowspan=1 width= "10%"| Date enacted
! rowspan=1 width= "35%"| Effective date
! rowspan=1 width= "40%"| Scope
|-
|{{flagicon|California}} {{wipe|California}}
| October 8, 2015<ref name="latimes"/>
| January 1, 2018 (manufacture of personal care products) – Jan. 1, 2020 (sale of over-the-counter drugs)
| Restricted to rinse-off cosmetics that contain more than 1 ppm of microbeads. Does not allow biodegradable microbeads.<ref name=ca>Phil Willon [https://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-ln-california-lawmakers-approve-ban-on-plastic-microbeads-20150908-story.html California lawmakers approve ban on plastic microbeads] LA Times, 8 September 2015</ref><ref name=huff>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/california-plastic-microbeads-ban_55ef5442e4b03784e276ff31?section=australia&adsSiteOverride=au California Lawmakers Approve Ban On Plastic Microbeads In Cosmetics] Lydia O'Connor, The Huffington Post,8 September 2015</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Colorado}} Colorado
| March 26, 2015
| Jan. 1, 2018 (manufacture of personal care products) – Jan. 1, 2020 (sale of over-the-counter drugs)<ref>{{cite web|title=HOUSE BILL 15-1144|url=http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2015a/csl.nsf/billcontainers/98235FBAF6C0BC3387257DC70059AA2A/$FILE/1144_ren.pdf|publisher=State of Colorado|access-date=8 August 2015}}</ref>
| Restricted to rinse-off cosmetics. Allows biodegradable microbeads.
|-
|{{flagicon|Connecticut}} Connecticut
| June 30, 2015
| Jan. 1, 2018 (manufacture of personal care products) – Jan. 1, 2020 (sale of over-the-counter drugs)<ref>{{cite web|title=Bill No. 1502|url=http://cga.ct.gov/2015/TOB/S/2015SB-01502-R00-SB.htm|publisher=State of Connecticut|access-date=8 August 2015}}</ref>
| Restricted to rinse-off cosmetics. Allows biodegradable microbeads.
|-
|{{flagicon|Illinois}} Illinois
| June 8, 2014<ref>{{cite web|title=Governor Quinn Signs Bill to Ban Microbeads, Protect Illinois Waterways|url=http://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=2&RecNum=12313|publisher=State of Illinois|access-date=8 August 2015|date=June 8, 2014}}</ref>
| Jan. 1, 2018 (manufacture of personal care products) – Jan. 1, 2020 (sale of over-the-counter drugs)<ref>{{cite web|title=Microbead-free waters|url=http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/041500050K52.5.htm|publisher=Illinois General Assembly|access-date=8 August 2015}}</ref>
| Restricted to rinse-off cosmetics. Allows biodegradable microbeads. Excludes prescription drugs.
|-
|{{flagicon|Indiana}} {{wipe|Indiana}}
| April 15, 2015
| Jan. 1, 2018 (manufacture of personal care products) – Jan. 1, 2020 (sale of over-the-counter drugs)
| Restricted to rinse-off cosmetics. Allows biodegradable microbeads.<ref>{{cite web|title=HOUSE ENROLLED ACT No. 1185|url=https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/bills/house/1185#document-8b918881|publisher=State of Indiana|access-date=8 August 2015}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Maine}} Maine
| March 2015
| Jan. 1, 2018 (manufacture of personal care products) – Jan. 1, 2020 (sale of over-the-counter drugs)
| Restricted to rinse-off cosmetics. Allows biodegradable microbeads.
|-
|{{flagicon|Maryland}} Maryland
| May 12, 2015
| Jan. 1, 2018 (manufacture of personal care products) – Jan. 1, 2020 (sale of over-the-counter drugs)<ref>{{cite web|title=House Bill 216|url=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2015RS/fnotes/bil_0006/hb0216.pdf|publisher=State of Maryland|access-date=8 August 2015}}</ref>
| Restricted to rinse-off cosmetics. Allows biodegradable microbeads.
|-
|{{flagicon|New Jersey}} New Jersey
| March 2015<ref>{{cite web|last1=Johnson|first1=Brent|title=Bill to ban microbeads in N.J. heads to Christie's desk|date=24 October 2014|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/10/bill_to_ban_microbeads_in_nj_heads_to_christies_desk.html|publisher=NJ Advance media for NJ.com|access-date=24 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author1=Sergio Bichao|title=Products with microbeads will disappear from N.J. stores thanks to new ban|url=http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/new-jersey/2015/03/23/products-microbeads-will-disappear-nj-stores-thanks-new-ban/70338692/|access-date=1 June 2015|work=Mycentarlnewjersey.com|publisher=Gannett|date=March 23, 2015}}</ref>
| Jan. 1, 2018 (manufacture of personal care products) – Jan. 1, 2020 (sale of over-the-counter drugs)<ref>{{cite web|title=ASSEMBLY, No. 3083|url=http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2014/Bills/A3500/3083_I1.HTM|publisher=State of New Jersey|access-date=8 August 2015|date=2014}}</ref>
| Restricted to rinse-off cosmetics. Allows biodegradable microbeads.<ref>{{cite web|title=CHAPTER 28|url=http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2014/Bills/PL15/28_.HTM|website=New Jersey Legislature|publisher=New Jersey Office of Legislative Services|access-date=10 December 2015|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222080558/http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2014/Bills/PL15/28_.HTM|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Wisconsin}} Wisconsin
| July 1, 2015<ref>{{cite news|last1=O'Brien|first1=Brendan|title=Wisconsin Governor Walker signs bill banning microbeads|url=https://news.yahoo.com/wisconsin-governor-walker-signs-bill-banning-microbeads-002857108--sector.html|access-date=8 August 2015|agency=Reuters|date=July 1, 2015}}</ref>
| January 1, 2018 (manufacture of personal care products) – Jan. 1, 2020 (sale of over-the-counter drugs)
| Restricted to rinse-off cosmetics. Allows biodegradable microbeads. Excludes prescription drugs.
|}

In 2014, legislation was voted on but failed to pass in New York.<ref name="nytimes2015">{{cite news
| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/23/business/energy-environment/california-takes-step-to-ban-microbeads-used-in-soaps-and-creams.html
| title = Fighting Pollution From Microbeads Used in Soaps and Creams
| date = May 22, 2015
| work = New York Times
| last1 = Abrams
| first1 = Rachel
| access-date = 8 August 2015
}}</ref>

====Local====
In 2015, Erie County, New York, passed the first local ban in the state of New York. It banned the sale and distribution of all plastic microbeads (including biodegradable ones) including from personal care products.<ref>{{cite web|title=Local Law #3, 2015|url=http://www2.erie.gov/legislature/sites/www2.erie.gov.legislature/files/uploads/Session_Folders/2015/Session_17/Local%20Law%20No.3%202015.PDF|date=2015|publisher=Erie County|access-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> {{As of|September 2015}}, its prohibition on sales was stronger than any other law in the country.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Warner|first1=Gene|title=Consumers, companies prepare for Erie County microbead ban|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/erie-county/consumers-companies-prepare-for-erie-county-microbead-ban-20150811|access-date=24 September 2015|work=The Buffalo News|date=11 August 2015}}</ref> It was enacted on August 12, 2015,<ref>{{cite news|title=Law signed to ban microbeads in Erie County|url=http://www.wgrz.com/story/news/2015/08/12/law-signed-to-ban-microbeads-in-erie-county/31575995/|access-date=24 September 2015|publisher=WGRZ.com|date=August 12, 2015}}{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and took effect in February 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/politics/2016/05/5/microbead-ban|title=Erie County Appears To Be Not Fully Enforcing Microbead Ban|website=spectrumlocalnews.com|access-date=2018-12-05}}</ref>

In November 2015, four other NY counties followed suit.<ref>{{cite news|title=Microbeads to no longer be sold in Albany Co.|url=http://news10.com/2015/11/09/microbeads-to-no-longer-be-sold-in-albany-co/|access-date=24 November 2015|publisher=News 10|date=November 9, 2015}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Chemistry:Cenosphere|Cenosphere]]
* [[Chemistry:Expandable microsphere|Expandable microsphere]]
* [[Physics:Glass microsphere|Glass microsphere]]
* [[Earth:Microplastics|Microplastics]]
** Glitter
* Nurdle (bead)
* Plastic particle water pollution

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://www.cospheric.com/polyethylene_microspheres_vs_glass_particles.htm Glass vs Polyethylene Microspheres]

{{marine pollution}}

[[Category:Cosmetics chemicals]]

{{Sourceattribution|Microbead}}