Govt flags action on microbeads

Australia could follow a number of states in the US in phasing out microbeads.

The tiny beads, found in toothpaste and facial scrubs, are believed to be polluting waterways and getting into the human food cycle through fish eating them.

"I believe these are emerging as a genuine, significant global environment problem," federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt told Sky News on Thursday.

"It's clear they pose a medium-to-long term risk to the environment."

Some US states are already banning microbeads, while consumer companies such as Unilever have agreed to phase out the beauty product additive.

Mr Hunt said his preferred option was a voluntary phase-out by industry.