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Scientists Call For Ban On Glitter, Say It's a Global Hazard That Pollutes Oceans (cnet.com)
An anonymous reader quotes a report from CNET: Whether you love to add a little sparkle to your skin, or you think glitter truly is the herpes of the craft world (once it's on you, it never comes off), some scientists are now claiming that glitter is a hazard to the environment. Glitter, along with microbeads, are considered to fall under the category of microplastics, which are defined as plastics which are less than five millimeters in length. Microbeads are often found in facial scrubs, toothpaste, soaps, cosmetics and more. These microbeads pass through water filtration systems after usage but don't disintegrate, and often end up being consumed by marine life, causing concern among scientists keeping a close eye on how pollution effects fish.
"I think all glitter should be banned, because it's microplastic," Dr. Trisia Farrelly of New Zealand's Massey University told the Independent. Historically, glitter was made from mica rock particles, glass and even crushed beetles. Modern-day crafting glitter is made primarily from metals, while fine-milled cosmetic glitter is made from polyester, foil and plastics.
"I think all glitter should be banned, because it's microplastic," Dr. Trisia Farrelly of New Zealand's Massey University told the Independent. Historically, glitter was made from mica rock particles, glass and even crushed beetles. Modern-day crafting glitter is made primarily from metals, while fine-milled cosmetic glitter is made from polyester, foil and plastics.
It's a goddamned sneaky backdoor pogrom against FABULOUSNESS!
the preceding comment is my own and in no way reflects the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Makes for a great demonstration of pollution in the classroom. Pour four tablespoons of ultra fine glitter in the middle of the floor, it dosent matter how large the room is. Let all the students run around for 10 minutes. Now have them examine where it went - wow it's over everyone and everything almost automagically!? When they inevitably ask - 'ok now how do we clean it up and get it off our clothes?' Keep it real and say 'exactly', then walk out.