What are the risks of microbeads and microplastics? Risk Bites takes a look at where these millimeter-sized plastic beads are used, and why experts are becoming increasingly concerned about the potential environmental and health impacts of these and other microplastics. BACKGROUND RESOURCES Grist article: http://grist.org/living/this-video-explains-how-those-plastic-bits-in-face-washes-scrubs-and-toothpastes-can-hurt-ecosystems/ Eight trillion microbeads pollute aquatic habitats every day - and scientists are calling for a ban. Washington Post Sept 18 2015 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2015/09/18/eight-trillion-microbeads-pollute-aquatic-habitats-every-day-and-scientists-are-calling-for-a-ban/ Why Those Tiny Microbeads In Soap May Pose Problem For Great Lakes (NPR) http://www.npr.org/2014/05/21/313157701/why-those-tiny-microbeads-in-soap-may-pose-problem-for-great-lakes Plastics in Cosmetics: Are we polluting the environment with our personal care products? (United Nations Environment Programme) http://unep.org/gpa/news/PlasticsinCosmetics.asp What do your mouth and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch have in common? (Grist) http://grist.org/list/what-do-your-mouth-and-the-great-pacific-garbage-patch-have-in-common/ Why dentists are speaking out about the plastic beads in your toothpaste (Washington Post) http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2014/09/18/why-dentists-are-speaking-out-about-the-plastic-beads-in-your-toothpaste/ RESEARCH Scientific Evidence Supports a Ban on Microbeads (2015) Chelsea Rochman et al. Environmental Science & Technology 49 (18), pp 10759–10761 http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5b03909 Contributing to marine pollution by washing your face: Microplastics in facial cleansers (2009). Lisa S. Fendall and Mary A. Sewell. Marine Pollution Bulletin 58, pp 1225 – 1228 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.04.025 Microplastics in freshwater systems: A review of the emerging threats, identification of knowledge gaps and prioritisation of research needs (2015) Dafne Eerkes-Medrano, Richard C. Thompson and David C. Aldridge. Water Research 75 pp 63 – 82. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2015.02.012 Microplastics in the marine environment: Current trends and future perspectives. (2015). Luís Gabriel Antão Barboza, and Barbara Carolina Garcia Gimenez. Marine Pollution Bulletin 97 pp 5 – 12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.06.008 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Many thanks to Sherri Mason (State University of New York at Fredonia) and Ana Sofia Knauf (Freelance journalist/Grist) for their expertise and insights in developing this video. This vide was proposed by Ana Sofia Knauf to accompany a Grist article on microbeads. Backing track: Mandolin Highway by Olive Musique. http://www.premiumbeat.com/royalty_free_music/songs/mandolin-highway Risk Bites videos are devised, created and produced by Andrew Maynard, in association with the Arizona State University School for the Future of Innovation in Society (http://sfis.asu.edu). They are produced under a Creative Commons License CC-BY-SA Risk Bites is your guide to making sense of risk. We cover everything from understanding and balancing the risks and benefits of everyday products, to health science more broadly, to the potential impacts of emerging technologies, to making sense of risk perception. If you enjoy our videos, please subscribe, and spread the word! Click here to see more videos: https://alugha.com/RiskBites
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