The decision of the European Union (EU) Commission on the ban of products containing microplastics has come into force as of today.
The ban covers many products, from toothpaste to make-up, hair spray, softeners and toys.
However, due to the transition period, some products will remain on the shelves for a while longer.
According to the EU Commission, plastic pollution occurs not only from bags, disposable cups and packaging materials, but also from very small particles that are almost invisible.
Small plastic particles that are not biodegradable and are up to 5 millimeters in size are called “microplastics”.
These particles can be encountered in all areas of daily life, especially in drinking water and food.
Microplastics remain in nature for thousands of years because they cannot be broken down.
According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), microplastics are used frequently and uncontrolled on the market.
According to ECHA research, approximately 42 thousand tonnes of microplastics are deliberately added to some products on the market.
5 EU members, led by the Netherlands, requested that microplastics be banned in 2104, stating that there are sufficient alternatives to these products.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) also supported the ban proposal as a result of scientific research.
The EU Commission approved the ban decision on September 25. The ban decision came into force as of October 15, 2023.
Which products contain microplastics?
Microplastics are used in a wide variety of areas, especially in cosmetic products such as toothpaste, make-up and softeners.
Microplastics are also found in bright glitter cosmetic products, toys and handicraft products that attract the attention of children in particular.
Research shows that 9 of the 10 best-selling cosmetic brands contain microplastics.
Small plastic granules, known as microbeads and used to clean dead skin cells on the skin, shower gels or small-grained toothpastes are also among the products containing microplastics.
It is possible to encounter microplastics in all areas of life, including clothing, artificial turf produced for sports fields, medicines and medical devices.
KAYNAK,GETTY IMAGES
Are microplastics harmful to human health?
According to the EU Commission, microplastics are harmful to both human health and the environment.
The Commission states that microplastics were banned because of concerns about their negative effects on human health.
According to research, microplastics enter the bodies of humans and animals through food and drinking water.
Again, toothpaste and other cosmetic products allow these particles to enter the human body.
Microplastics are known to have negative effects on the immune system and reproduction.
Research is ongoing at many universities in Europe on the stage at which microplastics smaller than half a centimeter cause disease.
Although the extent of the negative effects of microplastics on health is not yet known, it has been determined that they contribute to environmental pollution.
Speaking to Belgian Radio, environmental toxicologist Jana Asselman from Ghent University emphasizes that microplastics are a transport factor for harmful substances:
“They absorb chemicals and bacteria, then they are transported, for example, from a river to the sea, and they release these substances again.”
KAYNAK,GETTY IMAGES
How will the ban be implemented?
In accordance with the decision of the EU Commission, microplastics sold separately as products, such as plastic granules and shiny glitter substances, are banned immediately.
Cosmetics, toys and craft products containing glittery plastic will be removed from shelves as of October 15.
Glittering products containing environmentally friendly alternatives will continue to be sold for a while.
Because some cosmetic products, such as glitter nail polish, are less likely to release microplastics into the environment, manufacturers will be given a transition period ranging from 4 to 12 years.
During this period, manufacturing companies will need to replace the content of their products with more sustainable alternatives instead of microplastics.
Other products to which microplastics are added, which are within the scope of the ban, will be gradually withdrawn from the market.
Sports fields will also end the use of artificial grass and other filling materials containing micro plastic within 8 years.
For medical reasons, products containing microplastics and products that contain small plastic particles but do not release them are exempt from the ban decision.
What is the aim of the microplastic ban?
According to ECHA, the new measures will reduce the number of microplastics released by approximately 500 thousand tonnes.
In accordance with the “Zero Pollution Action Plan”, the EU Commission aims to reduce microplastic pollution by 30 percent by 2030.
According to the EU, fewer microplastics will improve the quality of water and reduce harm to people and the environment.
