WASHINGTON: Canada is the latest government to defend itself against a teeny, tiny threat. In recent years, researchers have called out microbeads – 1mm to 5mm orbs of plastic often found in exfoliating cleansers and grittier toothpastes – for perpetrating nearly invisible harm to marine life and their ecosystems.
A review that included an analysis of over 130 scientific papers as well as consultations with experts by the Canadian government revealed that the presence of microbeads in the environment may have long-term effects on biological diversity and ecosystems. Minister of Labour K. Kellie Leitch announced at a press conference along the shore of Lake Ontario last week that the government would declare microbeads to be a toxic substance and prohibit the manufacture, import, and sale of “personal-care” products that contain them.
“Microbeads can have an adverse impact on the environment so I am proud that our government is taking decisive action to stop the release of this toxic substance into our waters,” Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, said in a statement.
Pakistan to get $3b loan from Islamic Trade Financing Corporation
ISLAMABAD: Islamic Trade Financing Corporation (ITFC) to provide Pakistan with a $3 billion loan, according to an official statement released...
