will be accumulated in species of pelagic fish that are consumed
by humans. We believe that microplastics in facial cleansers are
largely unnecessary, and may result in long-term impacts to the
marine environment.
In a recent editorial in Marine Pollution Bulletin, Galloway
(2008) asked scientists to think about the use of plastics in their
laboratories, encouraging us to ‘‘reduce, reuse, and recycle”. Here
we ask scientists, and the households of which they are part, to
be aware of the potential contribution to microplastics pollution
made when washing one’s face.
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by a School of Biological Sciences
summer studentship. Thanks to M. Hauber and an anonymous reviewer
for comments that improved the manuscript.
References