CHICAGO (AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a law he says makes Illinois the first state nationwide to ban products containing so-called microbeads.

Synthetic plastic microbeads are found in soaps and cosmetics and billed as a way to exfoliate. But experts have raised concerns of plastic pollution in waterways.

The new Illinois law seeks to prohibit the manufacture of such products by 2018’s end and sale of such products by the end of 2019. Quinn signed the legislation Sunday.

Lawmakers in other states, including New York and California, are considering similar bans.

In a statement, Quinn says the Illinois law will help safeguard Lake Michigan. However, critics have expressed concerns about the long rollout of the new law.

Governor Pat Quinn has also signed legislation to erase some arrest records for children who were not charged with a crime.

The legislation approved Saturday automatically clears records in less-serious, non-violent cases upon the person’s 18th birthday.

The law takes effect January 1st. It will exclude sex-related offenses, higher-level felony arrests and those occurring within the previous six months.

Supporters say the law will give youths a better chance to get jobs, enter college and avoid gang violence.

Some lawmakers were concerned because the measure does not guarantee that some lower-level arrest records will not be made public.

The Democratic governor said Saturday the new law, known as the “clean slate” measure, will ensure youths “have every opportunity to land a job and succeed in life.”

(Copyright 2014 The Associa