MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Legislature’s planning and economic development committee is meeting Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Mayville and among the items on the agenda is a presentation on the hazards associated with hygiene products containing microbeads.
Dr. Sherri Mason, chemistry professor and environmental science program coordinator at Fredonia State, will give her presentation on the damaging effects microbeads have on the environment. She is considered one of the leading experts in the country in the study of microbeads and their impact on the ecosystem of various waterways, including Lake Erie and the other great lakes.
Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic placed in hygiene products to assist with the exfoliation process. Research has found, however, that don’t not break down and can eventually make their way from the drain in your sink or bathtub, through waste water treatment plants and absorb contamination along the way. They will eventually enter natural waterways, where fish and other wildlife will be exposed to them, creating a major health risk for all animals in the food chain.
County lawmaker are considering a ban on the sale of all products containing microbeads, but first wanted to hear from Dr. Mason.
The presentation will begin at 6 p.m. in room 331 of the Gerace Office Building. The meeting is open to the public.
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