Ecological Activists Demand Withdrawal Of Products Containing Plastic Microbeads

SURABAYA, INDONESIA - NOVEMBER 07: Ecological Observation and Wetland Conservation Indonesia activists gather in protest to demand the withdrawal of products containing plastic microbeads in front of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control office on November 07, 2024 in Surabaya, Indonesia. Activists from Ecological Observation and Wetland Conservation Indonesia (Ecoton) are urging the National Agency of Drug and Food Control to withdraw products containing microbeads from the market and implement strict oversight on their use in cosmetics and baby care items. A study conducted by Ecoton from September to November 2024 revealed that 58% of the 83 baby care products tested contained microbeads, which pose health risks as they can enter the body through the skin; one product was found to have ten different types of microbeads, highlighting the potential dangers these substances present to the environment and the health of vulnerable infants. (Photo by Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images)