Download the Fact Sheet (PDF)
The Problem
Microplastics never biodegrade. They are found worldwide—in rain, snow, soil, food, and throughout the human body. Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters (nanoplastics are even smaller). They are intentionally added to many everyday products. Plastic contains over 16,000 chemicals; more than 4,200 are hazardous, yet fewer than 6% are regulated globally. Exposure to plastics across their lifecycle is harmful to our health and has been linked to:
- Cancer
- Hormone disruption
- Neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases
- Respiratory illness
- Birth defects
Microplastics can be inhaled or ingested through common products, despite safer alternatives already existing. Certain communities, including women of color, may face higher exposure due to the abundance of chemicals added to certain products.
Gaps In Current Law
The Microbead-Free Waters Act (2015) addressed some concerns, but major gaps remain:
- Covers only rinse-off cosmetics
- Does NOT cover leave-on products (makeup, lotions)
- Limited coverage of toothpaste
Microplastics are still common in:
- 90% of mascaras
- 85% of lip products
- 74% of foundations
- 43% of powders
A single application can release up to 100,000 particles.
Hidden Sources
Microplastics are also found in toothpaste, “compostable” plastics, chewing gum, and tea bags (billions per use). Wastewater systems cannot effectively filter them, allowing contamination of water and ecosystems. A single piece of chewing gum, both synthetic and “natural”, can release over 3,000 microplastics into the saliva, 94% released in the first 8 minutes.
Products of Concern
Microplastics are commonly added to:
- Cosmetics & personal care products
- Toothpaste
- Chewing gum
- Tea bags
- Compostable/“eco-friendly” foodware
Common plastic ingredients include:
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- PET
- Polystyrene (PS)
- Nylon (PA)
- Polyurethane (PU)
- Acrylates
These materials are used as fillers, binders, abrasives, or for texture and appearance. Conventional wastewater treatment plants do not capture a significant percentage of microplastics enabling microplastics to enter into drinking water or local waterways.
The Solution
1. Truth in Labeling: Clear labeling allows consumers to make informed choices.
2. Eliminate Microplastics. Phase out use in:
- Cosmetics
- Personal care products
- Toothpaste
- Chewing gum
- Tea bags
- Foodware
3. Safer Alternatives. Replace microplastics with:
- Sugar, salt, coffee, oats
- Natural gum bases (chicle, mastic)
- Fruit seed powders (olive, apricot, raspberry)
- Pumice
- Nut shells (walnut, pistachio, almond, peanut, argan)
Take Action
Support policies that require transparent labeling and eliminate unnecessary microplastics! Ask your legislators to support truth in labeling and microplastic reduction.
For More Information
Contact Marta Young, NJ Deputy Director, Clean Water Action
