Microbeads ‘should be banned’, MPs urge cosmetic companies to cease using product
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“A single shower can result in 100,000 plastic particles entering the ocean.”
By Kathryn Snowdon
Plastic microbeads, which are present in everyday household products such as exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste and shaving gel, should be banned, MPs have said.
Public awareness around the plastic product is growing, but many would still be unaware of the damage that can be caused – both to marine life and potentially human health, Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee said.
The cross-party committee is now demanding cosmetic companies are completely banned from using plastic microbeads.
“Trillions of tiny pieces of plastic are accumulating in the world’s oceans, lakes and estuaries, harming marine life and entering the food chain. The microbeads in scrubs, shower gels and toothpastes are an avoidable part of this plastic pollution problem,” Committee Chair Mary Creagh said.
“A single shower can result in 100,000 plastic particles entering the ocean. Cosmetic companies’ voluntary appro...
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