The Council Responds to LA Times Article that Inaccurately Reported on Microbeads

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Dear Editor:

In response to the Feb. 9 article in the Los Angeles Times, “Plastic microbead pollution harms oysters,” I want to respectfully correct the record by pointing out that microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products are at most a very small contributor to plastic litter found in water.

Personal care products companies are committed to making products that are safe for both consumers and the environment. Our industry actively supported federal legislation that will phase out plastic microbeads in personal care products next year. The bill, which received bipartisan support, was signed into law in December.

Studies and scientists report that removing microbeads from products will have at most a minimal, if any, benefit to the environment. Yet, your article and headline incorrectly focus on microbeads in our products as key contributors to marine pollution. We all want to preserve our environment, but any activity should be driven by facts and sound science.

Beth Lange, Ph.D.

Chief Scientist, Personal Care Products Council

Washington, D.C.