Mercury Contaminated Sites

Mercury Contaminated Sites

In the study, 6 face wash, 3 body washes, 3 face scrubs from different brands, 1 face mask and 5 varieties of leave-on lotions were analysed for detecting the presence of microplastics (water insoluble) of more than 0.45 micron size. Large numbers of particles, especially granular material were observed with naked eye. Stereomicroscopic examination as well as filtration indicated presence of micro particles in 9 out of the 18 samples tested. The findings indicated presence of microplastics in most of the rinse off cosmetics. Interestingly, none of the leave-on products were detected with microplastics or even microparticles. Presence of insoluble micro particles in majority of the rinse off products does raise an alarm. These are designed to be disposed of with no possibility of recovery or recycling. Out of the 12 rinse off products included in the study, 5 of them were found to have microplastic. Since these are direct body to drain products, the beads from these products get directly into the water system and through the water channel reach the larger water bodies.

Lead in Paints

Lead in Paints

In the study, 6 face wash, 3 body washes, 3 face scrubs from different brands, 1 face mask and 5 varieties of leave-on lotions were analysed for detecting the presence of microplastics (water insoluble) of more than 0.45 micron size. Large numbers of particles, especially granular material were observed with naked eye. Stereomicroscopic examination as well as filtration indicated presence of micro particles in 9 out of the 18 samples tested. The findings indicated presence of microplastics in most of the rinse off cosmetics. Interestingly, none of the leave-on products were detected with microplastics or even microparticles. Presence of insoluble micro particles in majority of the rinse off products does raise an alarm. These are designed to be disposed of with no possibility of recovery or recycling. Out of the 12 rinse off products included in the study, 5 of them were found to have microplastic. Since these are direct body to drain products, the beads from these products get directly into the water system and through the water channel reach the larger water bodies.

Persistent Organic Pollutants POPs Country Situation Report

Persistent Organic Pollutants POPs Country Situation Report

In the study, 6 face wash, 3 body washes, 3 face scrubs from different brands, 1 face mask and 5 varieties of leave-on lotions were analysed for detecting the presence of microplastics (water insoluble) of more than 0.45 micron size. Large numbers of particles, especially granular material were observed with naked eye. Stereomicroscopic examination as well as filtration indicated presence of micro particles in 9 out of the 18 samples tested. The findings indicated presence of microplastics in most of the rinse off cosmetics. Interestingly, none of the leave-on products were detected with microplastics or even microparticles. Presence of insoluble micro particles in majority of the rinse off products does raise an alarm. These are designed to be disposed of with no possibility of recovery or recycling. Out of the 12 rinse off products included in the study, 5 of them were found to have microplastic. Since these are direct body to drain products, the beads from these products get directly into the water system and through the water channel reach the larger water bodies.

Microplastics in Cosmetics

Microplastics in Cosmetics

In the study, 6 face wash, 3 body washes, 3 face scrubs from different brands, 1 face mask and 5 varieties of leave-on lotions were analysed for detecting the presence of microplastics (water insoluble) of more than 0.45 micron size. Large numbers of particles, especially granular material were observed with naked eye. Stereomicroscopic examination as well as filtration indicated presence of micro particles in 9 out of the 18 samples tested. The findings indicated presence of microplastics in most of the rinse off cosmetics. Interestingly, none of the leave-on products were detected with microplastics or even microparticles. Presence of insoluble micro particles in majority of the rinse off products does raise an alarm. These are designed to be disposed of with no possibility of recovery or recycling. Out of the 12 rinse off products included in the study, 5 of them were found to have microplastic. Since these are direct body to drain products, the beads from these products get directly into the water system and through the water channel reach the larger water bodies.

Endocrine Disruptor: Review of Indian Research

Endocrine Disruptor: Review of Indian Research

EDCs are widely used in the consumer products and researchers claim their human and environmental health impacts through their wide research. Some of the Indian researchers tried to show the direct relationships between these EDCs and animal, environmental impact in their experiments but were not able to produce much information on human health. But the research data from various international sources proved that these EDCs have acute health impacts on human health too. Further research in Indian context can support this. It is also observed that in some cases there are no standards or regulation in place; hence there has no control or restriction of its use in consumer products so it leads to the downstream contamination. The document has tried to bring out the current scenario in Indian context regarding some of the EDCs.

Cleaning Clothes? A Study on the Chemical Solvent PERC Used in Dry-Cleaning

Cleaning Clothes? A Study on the Chemical Solvent PERC Used in Dry-Cleaning

Dry-cleaning is a popular service used in most parts of India, especially urban areas. It is often used for cleaning expensive and sensitive clothing. With changing lifestyles in urban India, this service is only going to grow in the future. Though currently many solvents are being used in the dry-cleaning facilities in India, PERC is a key one. Inspite of PERC being globally considered a toxic chemical, there has been very limited research on understanding its impact on health and environment in the Indian context.This study aims to bridge some of these gaps by understanding and documenting the current usage of PERC in the dry-cleaning industry. It also looks at issues of workers’ safety and disposal practices for this chemical in the industry, as it is known to be an occupational hazard. Apart from this, the study investigates the possibility of PERC risks for consumers who use dry-cleaned clothes.