<
https://www.dw.com/en/eu-bans-microplastics-added-to-consumer-products/a-67019552>
'From the depths of ocean trenches to the peaks of the highest mountains, from
our food and water to human blood and stool, there are few places microplastics
have not been found. Indeed, the United Nations estimates there is more of it
in our seas than there are stars in our galaxy.
Spread through the air, water and soil, once microplastic is in the
environment, it doesn't biodegrade and can't be removed, meaning it stays there
for centuries, posing a threat to wildlife and ultimately making its way into
the food chain and the human body.
Microplastics are used as abrasive particles in toothpaste or exfoliants, or as
binders that change the consistency of liquids. Currently an estimated 42,000
tons of these tiny pieces of plastic, intentionally added to products, are
released in the EU annually. Yet their effect on human health remains unknown.
"That's why it is so important to stop the stream of release into the
environment," said Johanna Bernsel, spokesperson for the European Commission.
To tackle the issue, the EU's executive arm has adopted measures under European
REACH legislation on harmful chemicals, banning the sale within the bloc of
both microplastics themselves and products to which they have been
intentionally added.'
Via
Future Crunch:
<
https://futurecrunch.com/good-news-education-girls-crime-uk-ocean-conservation-new-zealand/>
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
