Harmful Forever Chemicals in Cosmetic Products To Be Banned in New Zealand Due to Environmental Impacts

The latest news report showed that New Zealand would ban the harmful forever chemicals from cosmetic products by 2027, revealing a significant move to prevent potential environmental damage from the said chemicals.

Forever chemicals also known as PFAS can leave an unhealthy impact on people and the environment. Experts warned that it could lead to serious health consequences:

• liver damage
• allergies
• newborn deaths
• birth defects
• asthma

In a recent report, researchers raised concerns about the detection of harmful forever chemicals in hundreds of species, including whales, horses, wild boars, pandas and tigers. Because the said chemical cannot break down, it will likely spread to people or other animals even in remote areas.

Harmful Forever Chemicals from Cosmetic Products

In New Zealand, authorities are expected to ban the forever chemicals in the country by 2027. According to news reports, the substances perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl will be banned, including in the firefighting foams.

The move will become significant in reducing the potential health impacts of PFAS, especially since it can be found in many cosmetic products, including lipstick, mascara and shaving cream.

For animals, the recent report also explained that 120 kinds of PFAS were detected. The chemical reduction can significantly help mitigate the effects on wildlife and people's health.

Exported European Plastic Entering Nature

In the recent NWN report, researchers raised concerns about the emergence of exported plastic waste sent to Vietnam. The study findings were published in the Circular Economy and Sustainability. Researchers discovered that plastics could enter nature and oceans, making communities vulnerable to health impacts and water pollution.

The report explained the need for improved recycling methods and plastic disposal to avoid environmental risks, such as marine animals consuming plastic debris.

Furthermore, oversight is also crucial to monitor the traded plastic waste and it will be properly disposed of without environmental costs or health hazards.

Widespread Microplastic Threat on Goldfish

The increasing number of microplastics has been a serious problem for marine animals and oceans. The small particles can enter any body of water, contaminating species and humans' health. Researchers found that the freshwater goldfish (Carassius auratus) is affected by microplastics.

The study result was published in the Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology. The microplastic pollutant (Benzo[α]pyrene (BaP) pollutant) can stress the behavior of goldfish in the ocean and damage their endocrine system.

Exposure to microplastic can also cause DNA damage. Researchers warned that goldfish could exhibit abnormal behavior due to the plastic problem.

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