SCIENTISTS are supporting calls by MPs to ban plastic microbeads in cosmetics.

Researchers at Brighton University believe the tiny balls of plastic found in facial washes and shower gels are harmful to the environment.

Microbeads are used to provide abrasion in cosmetics,toothpaste and cleaning products. The tiny plastic particles are small enough to bypass water filtration plants and end up in lakes and rivers.

The Environmental Audit Committee says microbeads are being found in Arctic sea-ice and even on the ocean floor. MPs are demanding a worldwide ban on the tiny particles.

PhD student Matt Turley, who researches the problem at Brighton University’s Aquatic Research Centre, said: “Microplastics do not biodegrade, and so they accumulate in the marine environment and are extremely costly and difficult, if not impossible, to clean up.

“A ban on the use of microplastics in personal care products in the UK is a step in the right direction to reducing further inputs of plastic to the marine environment and to begin to address the wider problems of marine plastic pollution.”

Scientists think microbeads are mistaken for food by marine animals after observing lower reproduction, feeding and growth rates in shellfish and worms.

Some companies are signed up to a voluntary phase out of microbeads by 2020, while others have removed them entirely.

Matt added: “However other companies have not signed up to the agreement, and many experts say the issue requires a more rapid response.”

Mary Creagh MP, head of the Environmental Audit Committee, said: “A single shower can result in 100,000 plastic particles entering the ocean.

“Cosmetic companies voluntary approach to phasing out plastic microbeads simply won’t wash. We need a full legal ban.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Food, Rural Affairs (Defra) said: “We are absolutely committed to protecting the world's seas, oceans and marine life from pollution, and will take a detailed look at the recommendations contained in this timely report.

"Many leading manufacturers have already taken voluntary steps to remove microbeads from cosmetics, beauty products and toothpastes. We will now consider what further action is appropriate, and make any announcements in due course."