Monday, 22 September 2014

Dentists Are Finding Plastic Microbeads From Toothpaste Stuck in Patients’ Gums

SOURCE: INHABITAT

ABC7 Chicago reports that Dentists and dental hygienists have begun speaking out against plastic microbeads in toothpastes after many have noticed the tiny blue beads lodged in patients’ gums or between their teeth. Dentists are concerned about the possible implications for gingivitis and periodontal disease, although no cases have yet been reported. In response, toothpaste manufacturers have indicated they are happy to remove the beads from their products, but there will be a “phasing out” period.

We’ve reported before on the nonbiodegradable nature of microbeads. They are so fine that they slip through water filtration systems and from there they enter waterways, adding to the plastics pollution load and entering the food chain when aquatic animals and fish mistake them for food and ingest them. The Illinois state legislature recently declared a phased ban on the beads, and other states are debating similar legislation.


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