British MPs urge world-wide ban on microbeads in beauty products

A committee of British MPs called Wednesday for cosmetic companies across the world to be banned from using plastic microbeads in bathroom products.

Thy say the microbeads commonly used in exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste and shaving gel, causes marine pollution.

MP Mary Creagh, who chairs the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee, said in a report issued in Westminster: "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. A single shower can result in 100,000 plastic particles entering the ocean," according to the report.

"Cosmetic companies' voluntary approach to phasing out plastic microbeads simply won't wash. We need a full legal ban, preferably at an international level as pollution does not respect borders," urged the MPs.

"If this isn't possible after our vote to leave the EU, then the government should introduce a national ban. The best way to reduce this pollution is to prevent plastic being flushed into the sea in the first place," added the report.

The committee's report says microplastic pollution comes from the fragmentation of larger pieces of plastic waste, small synthetic fibers from clothing and the microbeads used in cosmetics and other products. It is estimated that as much as 86 tonnes of microplastics is released into the environment every year in Britain from facial exfoliants alone.

The report says most large cosmetics companies have made voluntary commitments to phase out microbeads by 2020.

"However, the committee found that a legislative ban would have advantages for consumers and the industry in terms of consistency, universality and confidence. The committee would like to see a national ban on microbeads by the end of 2017," added the report.

It said the industry is failing to label products containing microbeads clearly, adding: "If the government fails to introduce a ban, the committee is calling on it to introduce a clear labelling scheme for microbeads during the transitional period of a voluntary phase out to provide transparency for customers."

The report describes microplastic pollution as potentially more environmentally damaging than larger pieces of plastic because it is more likely to be eaten by wildlife. Microplastics also have a greater surface area with which to transfer chemicals to and from the marine environment. Relatively little research has been done so far either on potential impacts to marine life, human health or the marine economy.

Creagh added: "Most people would be aghast to learn that their beauty products are causing this ugly pollution. Cosmetic companies need to come clean and label their products containing plastics clearly."

According to the report, microbeads are a significant and avoidable problem, with between 80,000 and 219,000 tonnes of microplastics entering the marine environment across Europe per year.

The report estimates that 15-51 trillion microplastic particles have accumulated in the oceans, and have also been reported at the sea surface and on shorelines worldwide. They are also present in remote locations including deep sea sediments and in arctic sea ice. Endit