Microbeads ban spreads

A TOTAL ban on microbeads used in personal care products such as body scrubs is being considered in South Africa after the tiny plastic particles were found in tap water.

The plastic pellets were banned in Britain in January amid concern billions were washed into sewers, reaching rivers and seas.

Now other countries in Europe and around the world are following suit as concerns grow for the environment, sea life and human health.

The discovery of microplastics in tap water in South Africa mirrors similar findings in the UK, Europe and the US.

The same problem has also been identified with big brand bottled water, despite the fact it is sold using claims of purity. The World Health Organisation is reviewing the risks of plastic in drinking water.