The use of microbeads can cause serious environmental pollution and harm marine biota, ultimately affecting human health.

This can occur due to the presence of microbeads, which are small plastic particles commonly found in skincare products.

The reason microbeads are commonly used in skin care products is that they exfoliate dead skin cells and promote skin brightness.

These particles will end up in the ocean after we wash our faces with facial products that contain microbeads.

Microbeads are commonly found in products containing Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), and Polyamides or Nylon, according to sustainability.id.

Every time we wash our faces, up to 94,500 microbead particles end up in the ocean, according to a study conducted by the University of Plymouth. This staggering amount of particles is enough to cause them to accumulate in the ocean, which can be harmful to the marine life that inhabits it.

Why Can Microbeads Threaten Marine Biota?

As explained above, microbeads will end up in the ocean and damage the biota that lives around them. This can happen because microbeads have properties that are difficult to decompose.

The length of time for this decomposition is one of the factors in the accumulation of microbeads which will continue to accumulate and spread throughout the ocean.

The buildup of these particles will certainly damage marine biota because marine fish will unconsciously swallow their food containing microbeads or mistake the microbeads for food. The fish can mistake microbeads for their food because of the small size of the microbeads and the smell that resembles plankton.

Additionally, microbeads also impact coral and coral reefs. According to reports from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, these particles have begun to be consumed by coral and will hurt the coral.

Microbeads embedded in corals can prevent them from catching prey or cause energy loss to remove microplastics from their surfaces.

IDNTimes reported that microbeads can harm coral reefs by causing bleaching, injury, and loss of colour due to erosion.

Impact on Humans

Microbeads as discussed above will stick to the bodies of fish that eat these particles.

After that, these particles will lodge in the fish’s body. If these fish are caught and eaten by humans, the microbeads will transfer to the human body.

The particles that have entered the human body will have a negative impact on human health. According to Klikdokter.com, the chemical polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) contained in microbeads can cause neurological problems such as decreased immune function and fertility problems.

Apart from that, several dental experts say that microbeads can also be a factor in the formation of plaque, tartar and tooth inflammation.

However, until now, no research has specifically mentioned microbeads’ impact on health or maximum levels in the human body.

Microbeads pose potential health risks according to Medical News Today. Check out the list of dangers!

Oxidative stress 

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the body. The condition’s severity stems from its potential to cause fatal ailments including cancer and heart attacks.

Neurotoxic effects

Neurotoxic effects are a condition where plastic microbeads reach and damage brain cells. The effect of this condition is an increased risk of brain diseases such as dementia.

Endocrine System Disorders

According to halodoc, the endocrine system is a network of glands that produces and releases hormones. If the microbead particles damage the endocrine system, sufferers will experience problems with fertility, behaviour and overall health.

Thyroid Damage

According to halodoc, the thyroid is a small gland shaped like a butterfly, which is located in the middle of the lower neck and produces thyroid hormone.

According to Medical News Today, the thyroid gland plays a vital role in controlling hormones that can impact fertility. This means that if the microbeads damage the thyroid, it can affect hormone and fertility levels.

Worse than this, halodoc states that thyroid gland disorders can also be a cause of death.

Cancer

The spread of microbeads can also increase the potential for cancer. This can happen because microbead particles, which are also plastic, can enter the body and cause chronic diseases, such as cancer.

Conclusions and recommendations

Microbeads, small plastic particles used in skin care products, exfoliate and brighten skin.

Microbeads are a danger to the environment, especially the oceans because they do not easily degrade and are often washed into the sea.

Of course, the buildup of these particles will harm marine biota such as coral, coral reefs and fish. Apart from that, humans are also indirectly affected by microbeads.

This is because humans also consume fish that may be contaminated with microbeads, allowing these particles to enter the body and cause harm to human health.

We can reduce this phenomenon by cutting back on frequent skin care product purchases. If we want to continue buying this product, then make sure there are materials such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), because both of these contain microbeads which are safe for the environment and personal health.