Microbeads are small plastic particles that are approximately the size of a fruit fly. They are used in a range of applications including personal care products such as skin care lotions, cosmetics, toothpastes, shampoos, exfoliating creams and certain over-the-counter drugs. Microbeads can be used to help exfoliate and cleanse, or simply to provide a particular feel or finish. Microbeads often make their way into the environment when the products that contain them are washed down household drains.
The Government of Canada is moving to address the release of microbeads into the environment under Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan. Jointly delivered by Environment Canada and Health Canada, the Chemicals Management Plan is an important initiative that assesses chemicals used in Canada and takes action on those found to be harmful. This leads to a healthier, cleaner, and safer environment for Canadians, and for Canada’s wildlife.
The following actions have been taken on microbeads through the Chemicals Management Plan:
- Publishing the science summary on microbeads - Environment Canada scientists have completed and will publish a thorough scientific review and analysis of over 130 scientific papers as well as consultations with experts. It shows that microbeads may pose a concern to the environment because they contribute to plastic litter in lakes and rivers, accumulating in the environment. The science summary concludes that microbeads are eco-toxic, as defined under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA, 1999). There is no evidence of human health concerns linked to the release of microbeads to the environment from personal care products.
- Adding microbeads to the List of Toxic Substances - A proposed Order will be published as the first formal step towards adding microbeads to the List of Toxic Substances under CEPA, 1999. Adding microbeads to the List of Toxic substances is important because it provides the Government of Canada with the authority to regulate.
- Preparing to regulate - Notice of intent to regulate will be published with the science summary on microbeads. Environment Canada is working to develop regulations that would phase out the use of microbeads in personal care products.
- Surveying industry - An information gathering notice to industry stakeholders will be published that will allow Environment Canada to gather information to support planned regulatory actions on microbeads.
These actions build on the successful work that has been done over the past nine years to reduce the risks that chemicals can pose to the health of Canadians and the environment. Through the Chemicals Management Plan, the Government of Canada has committed to address 4,300 priority chemicals by 2020 and has considered more than 2,700 chemicals to date. Budget 2015 commits to provide $491.8 million over five years, beginning in 2016, to complete assessments of the remaining chemicals under the Chemicals Management Plan. This will help us to continue protecting Canadian families and the environment from the risks of harmful chemicals.
