Microbead Ban Nears Final Approval In Colorado
DENVER (AP) - A ban on tiny plastic particles from soaps and cosmetic products is nearing final approval in the Colorado Legislature.
The Senate voted Tuesday in favor of a bill banning microbeads by 2020. One more procedural vote sends the ban to the governor's desk.
The microbeads turn up in face scrubs, acne treatments and toothpaste. The particles are too fine to be caught in wastewater treatment plants, and the plastic bits can pollute lakes and rivers.
RELATED: Colorado May Ban Microbeads In Personal Care Products
The microbeads are about the size of fish eggs and can be swallowed by aquatic life.
The ban has the backing of large personal-care product manufacturers including Johnson & Johnson.
Some Republicans argued that the ban isn't necessary because microbeads are already being phased out.
LINK: House Bill 1144
(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
