Glitter contains microplastics, which can find their way into rivers and oceans, taking many years to degrade. Last year, scientists called for a total ban on glitter over concerns the particles are polluting oceans and hurting marine life.

Why is glitter banned?

The reason for the ban is that glitter is made of a polymer called polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or Mylar, and winds up in landfills or washed down drains - eventually making it to water sources. These microplastics account for 92.4 percent of the total 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic floating around in the ocean.

Why is glitter bad for kids?

Glitter, which is commonly used in arts and crafts, is comprised* of small plastic particles. ... New Zealand Massey University's Dr Trisia Farrelly said glitter should be banned because it was a microplastic. Microplastics, or small pieces of plastic, have been known to pollute waterways.