Jordan Carleo-Evangelist is reporting at Capitol Confidential Albany County on Mon., Nov. 9, banned the sale of personal care products containing microbeads. The tiny, abrasive plastic beads common in toothpaste and cosmetics wash into the waterways. Albany was the fifth county in the state to pass such a ban. Environmental advocates say the beads are an unnecessary menace because they stream unfiltered through wastewater treatment facilities into the environment. The tiny plastic particles can absorb toxins, and have been found in dead fish and other wildlife. The law was passed, in part, to increase pressure on state lawmakers to pass a ban similar to the one approved by Connecticut in June. The New York bill has passed the Democrat-run Assembly but stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate. If County Executive Dan McCoy signs the law it will take effect six months after it is filed with the state Department of State. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.