Occurrence of microplastics in cosmetic products collected from Myanmar

Abstract

Plastics pollution in the ocean is an area of growing concern, with research efforts focusing on the cosmetic products of the microplastic (<5mm) fractions. Cosmetic products, such as facial scrubs, have been identified as potentially important primary sources of microplastics to the marine environment. In my study, I observed microplastic beads found in eight facial scrub cleansers that listed polyethylene as an ingredient. They are ingested by diverse marine fauna, including zooplanktons, mussel, oyster, shrimp, fish etc. They can enter human food chains via several pathways. Marine scientists need to educate the public to the dangers of using products that pose an immediate and long-term threat to the health of the oceans and the food we eat.