Plastic microbeads used in personal care products are officially a toxic substance, according to the Federal Government.
They recently added the tiny plastic beads to the toxic list under the Environmental Protection Act, which means their use can be controlled or even banned.
However, it may be too little regulation too late, as the use of the microbeads is already on the way out.
Of the 14 companies in the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, five already eliminated the use, with the remaining nine pledging to end use over the next three years.
A study shows the beads, which are less than five millimetres in size, last for a long time in the environment, and pose risks to aquatic creatures.
The full details of the Federal government release can be found HERE
