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Bill would ban plastic microbeads and intentional microplastic particles in personal care and cleaning products
Summary
AB 823 would ban sale of non‑rinse personal care products and cleaning products containing plastic microbeads and intentional microplastic particles beginning 2029. Supporters emphasized water and public‑health impacts; no in‑room opposition was recorded and the committee advanced the bill.
Assemblymember Berner presented AB 823 to prohibit the sale of non‑rinse personal care products and cleaning products that contain plastic microbeads used as abrasives, and to ban intentional microplastic particles in personal care products starting January 1, 2029.
Why it matters: Supporters from Clean Water Action, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and multiple water and waste agencies said microplastics and microbeads enter waterways, accumulate in fish and drinking water and may carry toxic chemicals linked to cancer and other health harms. They described environmental justice concerns for communities relying on subsistence fishing or lacking advanced water treatment.
Support testimony: Andrea Ventura (Clean Water Action) and Nancy Biermeier (Breast Cancer Prevention Partners) described microplastics’ presence in bodies and water and cited emerging research linking microplastics to health risks including detection in blood, breast milk and brain tissue. Multiple local government and stewardship organizations submitted support letters.
Committee action: The committee accepted the measure and advanced the bill to Judicial Committee for further consideration. Supporters characterized AB 823 as source control to reduce microplastics that are difficult and expensive to remove from drinking water.
Ending: The author urged an aye vote; committee recorded the measure as passed to the next committee.
