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Gov. Chris Christie signed into law today a gradual ban on the production and sale of personal health products like toothpaste and face cleanser that contain microbeads. (Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media)
TRENTON — A bill that bans the production and sale of personal care products that contain microbeads — tiny plastic particles found in toothpaste, face washes, and cosmetic products — is now the law in New Jersey.
Gov. Chris Christie signed the legislation (S2178) into law today, making New Jersey the second state in the nation to ban the substances, which cannot be removed in the water treatment process have collected in and polluted waterways. Illinois signed the first ban.
The law prohibits the manufacturing, sale, and promotion in the state of any "personal care product" with microbeads, which are made from polyethylene, a plastic used to make plastic bags and bulletproof vests.
"By signing this bill into law, we are placing our state at the forefront of a national effort to eliminate the dangers this product poses to our environment and the water supply," said state Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R-Somerset), one of the bill's sponsors. "The only way to keep our drinking water safe and protect our beautiful rivers is to stop production and get these items off the shelves."
The law would be phased in beginning with a ban on the production of products containing microbeads in January 2018. By January 2020, people would be prohibited from selling or promoting over the counter drugs containing the substances, according to Bateman's announcement.
The governor rejected an earlier version of the bill, saying he would veto it if lawmakers did not agree to scale back the cash penalties of $10,000 to $500, according to his conditional veto statement.
Procter & Gamble, the maker of Crest toothpaste, has reportedly promised to discontinue the use of microbeads in its products.
"There are many suitable alternatives to the use of microbeads that are far better for the environment," said state Assemblyman Tim Eustace (D-Bergen), also a sponsor.
Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.