PRODUCTS TO BEWARE OF

... and bead-free alternatives you can buy instead

Louise Edge of Greenpeace said: ‘Once in the ocean, microplastics can both attract and leach out toxic chemicals and be consumed by marine life. In some cases, juvenile fish have even been shown to prefer plastic to their natural food source.

‘The report presents evidence of microplastics appearing in seafood and while the effects on human health remain unclear, we argue that a prolonged industry-led phase out of microbeads simply isn’t good enough.

‘As more and more research shows that microplastics can harm marine life and even end up on our dinner plates, a ban on microbeads is a simple way for Theresa May’s Government to show that they take the effects of plastic pollution on marine life and human health seriously.’

Trillions of microbeads are being washed into the sewers and seas every year. As many as 100,000 can be flushed down the plughole after a single shower.

Manufacturers have so far responded to concerns by promising to remove the plastics from some products by 2020.

The European Commission is also investigating whether it might recommend a ban across member states. However, MPs from all parties on the Commons environmental audit committee say the Government should go further and implement a unilateral UK ban.

MEPs believe that imposing a ban in Britain would be enough to force Brussels to take action. They point out that a ban is coming into force in the United States next year. Australia is also considering one.

Environment ministers, including