Illinois became the only state in the country to ban the sale of products that contain synthetic plastic microbeads.
On Sunday, June 8, 2014 Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill to ban the material, in an effort to protect the environment, according to a spokesperson from the Office of Pat Quinn.
By the end of 2018 microbeads used in personal care products will need to be removed from manufacturing, and by the end of 2019 these products may no longer be sold, according to Senate Bill 2727.
“Banning microbeads will help ensure clean waters across Illinois and set an example for our nation to follow,” Quinn said. “Lake Michigan and the many rivers and lakes across our state are among our most important natural resources. We must do everything necessary to safeguard them.”
In April of 2014 a spokesperson from the Personal Care Products Council said they, along with the Illinois Environmental Council, the Alliance for the Great Lakes, and others were in support of the bill.
"Plastic micro beads are used in personal care cleansing products because of their exfoliating properties and excellent safety profile," said a spokesperson from the council. "However, our industry shares a common interest with other stakeholders in protecting the environment."
The council spokesperson also said they were planning to "phase out the use of these ingredients."
According to a report by KMOV, lawmakers in New York and California are considering similar bans.