Fredonia faculty member assists with study on microbeads

A new study shows that microbeads are a problem in New York's lakes and waterways that can't be controlled by wastewater treatment plants.  The new study, conducted by the Attorney General's office with the help of Dr. Sherri Mason of the State University of New York at Fredonia, shows the presence of the tiny plastic abrasives, are systematically passing through wastewater treatment plants across the state. In an interview on WDOE's Viewpoint program earlier this month, Dr. Mason indicated that microbeads are added to many beauty and personal care products.

Mason-Microbeads are major concern

The study examined samples provided by 34 municipal and private treatment plants across the state, including the Silver Creek Village Wastewater Treatment plant in Chautauqua County.   Besides being small, Dr. Mason says microbeads pick up pollutants in the lakes and oceans.

Mason-Microbeads pick up chemicals in water

General Eric Schneiderman has introduced legislation that would prohibit the distribution and sale of personal cosmestic products containing microbeads less than 5 millimeters in size.