Product safety game changer – microplastics exposure everywhere
3-minute read
It’s the news that nobody wants to hear, let alone businesses that sell consumer products, but micro and nano plastics (MNPs) exposure is a rapidly emerging risk. It is a threat to consumer health like no other and is an issue that will impact many areas of business.
While some scientists say the health consequences require more research to fully establish the direct cause, there’s more than enough evidence to take precautionary action. Consumer awareness is ramping up and government is currently considering its role in consumer education.
There’s more than enough evidence to take precautionary action; more and more consumers will start demanding change
The new Netflix documentary has been reviewed in The Guardian with the following headline: The Plastic Detox review – a film so terrifying you will want to change your life immediately.
What can be done?
As a product safety advocate, I don’t feel that this issue has properly been on the sector’s radar. Changes to product design and materials will be necessary. And quickly. Product retailers and other suppliers need to plan now for reviewing their range and sourcing alternative products.
Product suppliers need to plan now for reviewing their range and sourcing alternative products.
Industry associations have a key role to play. I hope they will guide their members and collaborate with one another, and with government, to manage this vast challenge.
An Australian Senate Enquiry into both the health implications of MNPs and the need for consumer education is due to report in May 2026. The Enquiry is also looking at the potential use of standards. I made a submission with a focus on considered consumer education, and the clear need for sound government leadership and co-ordination.
In my submission I have urged the government to ensure any actions are well co-ordinated across relevant agencies and to liaise well with industry associations. I counted around 44 separate agencies at federal and state level that may have relevant consumer products in their remit. While regulation does not appear to be currently on the table, the last thing we all need is fragmented regulatory interventions, especially given the vast range of products involved.
I also named in my submission several associations and consumer organisations that can work with government and members in managing this challenge and have written to these groups. (All submissions are now available on the Enquiry web page).
What consequences? Which products?
MNPs mostly don’t pass through the digestive system – they’re bio-cumulative – and can both cause and exacerbate illnesses. The can present a threat to heart, respiratory, reproductive health, dementia, obesity, the endocrine system, cancer, and more.
Don’t just think of ‘microbeads’ that are contained in some toiletry products. The smallest plastic particles are invisible to the naked eye as this image shows.
MNP product sources include synthetic apparel, fluffy blankets, soft toys, leave-on cosmetics, baby bottle teats, plastic kettles, chopping boards, glitter, plastic plates, but there’s many many more products. The Queensland-based global website I’m Plastic Free has very good and well-researched information, including a checklist of products that pose potential MNP exposure.
A game changer
This all feels like a bit of a nightmare, but I think this really is a game changer in consumer safety.
It will be interesting to see the outcomes of the Senate enquiry, due in May and what the government’s next steps will be. I don’t wish to be ‘the microplastics person’. I just want there to be good management of this very Wicked problem.
Gail Greatorex