The European Commission is slowly taking up microplastics.  The first ban came into force

The European Commission is slowly taking up microplastics. The first ban came into force

The European Commission restricts the sale of products containing microplastics. Elements hazardous to human health and the environment are found in many common products, including: cosmetics or detergents. On October 15, the first sales ban was introduced, which covers cosmetic glitter. Further products are to be phased out gradually by 2035.

On September 25, it made decisions to limit the amount of microplastics entering the environment. These are bans restricting the sale of products containing them.

Microplastics are being discovered in more and more places. The European Commission is introducing control measures

The European Commission’s actions aim to reduce the amount of microplastics released into the environment by half a million tonnes. By 2030, they are expected to reduce microplastic pollution by 30 percent. According to estimates by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), 145,000 are used annually in the European Union. tons of microplastics.

describes microplastics as durable elements and difficult to remove from the environment. They are detected in water and soil, including agricultural land. Their presence threatens the ecosystem and biodiversity. Microplastics were found, among others, in the bellies of fish and birds and in bottled water. As a result of consumption, they also enter the human body, which is why they also pose a threat to human health. Recent research has shown that they are even found in mother’s milk.

Cosmetic glitter has been withdrawn from sale in the EU. Additional bans in subsequent years

Therefore, a decision was made to introduce a ban on the sale of certain products containing microplastics. The European Commission has adopted a definition according to which they include synthetic polymer particles less than five millimeters in size that are organic, insoluble and resistant to degradation. Among the products that often contain such elements, the Commission mentions, among others, detergents, fabric softeners, glitters, fertilizers, plant protection products, toys, medicines and medical devices, and . It also includes granules used on artificial sports surfaces, which are said to be the largest source of microplastics released into the environment.

On October 15, 2023, the EU ban on the sale of cosmetic glitter was the first to enter into force. Further product groups are to be excluded from sale gradually by 2035. From October 2027, the ban will cover, for example, some rinse-off products, which include shampoos and shower gels. In 2028, some detergents and fertilizers will be added, and from 2035, the ban will also cover some lip cosmetic products. In 2031, the use of granules used in artificial sports surfaces will also be limited.

Source: Gazeta

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