HI SCR70

Urges the Department of Health to raise public awareness about the adverse effects and dangers of microbeads used in personal-care products such as facial wash, exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste, and shower gel.

Notes that microbeads are non-biodegradable plastic particles that pass through wastewater treatment filters and contaminate oceans, lakes, and rivers, with one facial cleanser bottle containing approximately 350,000 microbeads.

Identifies that microbeads absorb toxic substances and are consumed by fish and marine animals, which humans subsequently consume through seafood.

Recognizes that natural alternatives exist, including ground almond shells, sugar, salt, oatmeal, and fruit pits, and that several companies have already ceased or are phasing out microbead use.

References Illinois legislation phasing out the sale and manufacture of personal-care products containing microbeads.