GETTY Plastic is building up in oceans around the world

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The tiny pieces of plastic are commonly found in items such as exfoliating body scrub and toothpaste. But there is concern the material is building up in oceans across the world, potentially damaging wildlife and entering the food chain. Many cosmetic companies have made a voluntary commitment to phase out the use of microbeads by 2020.

However, the cross-party Environmental Audit Committee wants firmer action to be taken and has called on the Government to ban the use of the plastics in products by the end of 2017. The committee's chairman Mary Creagh said: "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.

GETTY Microbeads found in scrubs, shower gels and toothpastes are an avoidable part of this pollution

"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.

Most people would be aghast to learn that their beauty products are causing this ugly pollution Mary Creagh, Environmental Audit Committee

"If this isn't possible after our vote to leave the EU, then the Government should introduce a national ban." It is estimated that as much as 86 tons of microplastics are released into the environment every year in the UK from facial exfoliants alone. The committee suggests in its report that the cosmetics industry is failing to adequately label products which contain microbeads. It recommends that if the Government does not introduce a ban it should at least bring forward a requirement for clearer labelling while companies continue with the voluntary phasing out of the use of the material, so that consumers know exactly what they are buying.

PA A single shower can result in 100,000 plastic particles entering the ocean

Miss Creagh said: "Most people would be aghast to learn that their beauty products are causing this ugly pollution. Cosmetic companies need to come clean and clearly label their products containing plastics." The report suggests microplastic pollution could be more damaging to the environment than larger pieces of plastic because its size makes it more likely to be eaten by wildlife and then potentially enter the food chain, for example a plate of six oysters can contain up to 50 particles of plastic. The report concludes there is "little evidence on potential human health impacts of microplastic pollution", but further research is "clearly required".

GETTY Microplastic pollution is more easily consumed by marine life than larger pollution