By james art Alberto Costa told the Commons that microplastic pollution was a “major problem for our environment and our health” and argued that all new washing machines should be fitted with plastic-trapping filters to tackle the problem.
Introducing the Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Bill, Mr Costa said the legislation aimed to raise awareness of the impact of microplastics from washing machines on rivers and seas.
The South Leicestershire MP said: “Microfibre plastic pollution is one of the most widespread and preventable forms of microplastic pollution.
“In fact, about half a million tons of microfibers from synthetic textiles are released into the oceans every year due to washing clothes.
“I am introducing this bill to encourage the government to work with washing machine manufacturers and establish standards to ensure that all new domestic and commercial washing machines are fitted with cost-effective microfibre capture filters.”
He added: “Research now shows that these fibers, once released, not only contaminate the aquatic environment, but also move up the food chain, making their way into an alarming amount of fish that we all eat.
“The growing body of scientific literature on microplastics is truly alarming – not only are we eating and drinking these particles, but the latest research from the University of New Mexico shows that they have already made their way into our blood, the human placenta, breast milk and our brains .
“Now our bodies are contaminated with microplastics.”
Last month, the Plastic Health Council, a coalition of global doctors and activists, warned of the “profound public health crisis” caused by plastic pollution.
On Tuesday, Mr Costa said microplastics were causing or exacerbating “respiratory disorders, autoimmune problems and some cancers”.
“Researchers have even found microplastics in human testicles, and this is a major factor in the dramatic decline in sperm count over the past 40 years,” he added.
“I hope the government is convinced that microplastic pollution is now a major problem for our environment and our health.”
The bill is due to be considered again by MPs on March 7, but is unlikely to become law without government support.
Mr Costa supported the same bill twice before, in 2021 and 2022, but Parliament did not have time to scrutinize it.