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It seemed as if the bead workers were treated as mules, with the forces of the market their masters. A family catches Mardi Gras beads during the Krewe of Thoth parade down St. Charles Avenue in 2000. The stringed beads, often sourced from China, can contain lead, heavy metals, and other materials that can be toxic to humans, particularly children. Tens of millions of pounds of Chinese-made plastic beads are imported to the Gulf Coast for Mardi Gras annually, a cheap but vast loot of plastic throws that only increases in volume each year. Based on the composition of the chemicals found in the plastic beads, the researchers concluded that plastic from electronic waste was likely being recycled into producing Mardi Gras beads (2). While exposure to lead and flame retardants is harmful to everyone’s health, it’s particularly dangerous for children. The Ecology Center, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, released a report in 2020 on the chemical hazards of Mardi Gras beads, concluding that most of the sampled throws contained bromine and antimony According to the Earth Island Journal, when the parade season ended in 2014, the New Orleans city government spent $1.5 million to pick up about 1,500 tons of Mardi Gras-induced waste, consisting mostly of beads. (Ellie Cowen) Mardi Gras beads are a quintessential part of the New Orleans yearly festivities. Why are toxic chemicals present in so many Mardi Gras-type beads and at such significant levels? The short answer: Electronic waste. E-waste includes plastic housings of devices like computers, phones, and more. Those plastics are infused with flame retardant chemicals. So she contacted the research director of Healthystuff.org where scientists soon analyzed the Mardi Gras beads Groh provided. Scientists screened 87 Mardi Gras bead necklaces, bracelets and other accessories and found more than 60 percent of the products tested, or 56 of 87, had concentrations of lead above 100 ppm, or parts per million. The Ecology Center, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, released a report in 2020 on the chemical hazards of Mardi Gras beads, concluding that most of the sampled throws contained bromine and antimony Unfortunately, the beads are more than just wasteful–they're toxic, according to the Ecology Center's Healthy Stuff Lab scientists. In 2019, we tested 56 beaded necklaces collected from Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans and parades in Florida. Similar to our 2013 study, we found bits of chopped-up electronic waste inside the beads, along In 2018, 46 tons of beads were removed from storm drains in a 5 block area after Mardi Gras. To keep toxic plastic beads out of the storm drains and waterways, the non-profit Arc GNO, collects discarded beads, cleaning them, fixing them, and then reselling them. People who handle plastic Mardi Gras beads regularly should wear gloves. The interior of Mardi Gras beads, which often get shattered during celebrations, contained concentrations of hazardous chemicals that were as high as the exterior coating of the beads. VPIRG urges consumers to avoid purchasing or wearing cheap, plastic Mardi Gras beads. And research from Stephen Midway, one of Benfield’s colleagues at LSU, found high levels of plastic including polyethylene, one of the main ingredients found in Mardi Gras beads, in local seafood. This item: GiftExpress 144 pack Mardi Gras Beads Bulk, Non-toxic and safe! Mardi Gras Bead Necklaces Perfect for Mardi Gras parties and parades. Great Gasparilla The organization collected and tested 56 beaded necklaces from Mardi Gras celebrations, finding bits of electronic waste and toxic chemicals in their makeup. As The Ecology Center observed, while most e-waste typically gets shipped overseas, it often comes back in the form of single-use plastic products like Mardi Gras beads. The hidden dangers in Mardi Gras beads Several studies, including a study published by Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, MI in collaboration with VerdiGras, identified dangerous levels of lead, other toxic metals and toxic flame retardants in the strings of beads they’ve tested. VerdiGras’ mission is to inspire Mardi Gras participants to reduce their waste from the festival. They spread awareness around the issue and work on all aspects of Mardi Gras’ waste prevention. After forming VerdiGras, Dr. Groh partnered with Jeff Gearhart, Research Director at the Ecology Center, to explore the toxic components of beads. Do Mardi Gras beads contain toxic materials? Each year 25 million pounds of plastic beads are manufactured for use during Mardi Gras. Besides wearing the beads or taking them to bead recycling centers (hopefully), millions of pounds of beads end up on trees, in the streets drains, or in landfills. Each year 25 million pounds of plastic beads are manufactured for use during Mardi Gras. Besides wearing the beads or taking them to bead recycling centers (hopefully), millions of pounds of beads end up on trees, in the streets drains, or in landfills. 144PCS Mardi Gras Beads, Mardi Gras Green Purple Gold Metallic Beads Necklaces Accessories Bulk, Mardi Gras Beads Necklace Costumes Women Men Kids for Parade Throws Party Decorations Favor Supplies 4.6 out of 5 stars 184 over 25 million pounds of beads i.e. “Mardi Gras beads” are thrown by Carnival Krewe’s during parades each year in New Orleans, Louisiana (Flock, 2012). Mardi Gras beads come in all shapes, sizes and colors. This cultural tradition dates from the mid-19th century. Large volumes of Mardi Gras beads go into landfills or are left
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