The rising number of hand car washes in the UK is due to be investigated by MPs over fears they are contributing to cases of modern slavery.
The UKs anti-slavery watchdog has already launched a study into hand car washes over concerns of endemic exploitation and modern slavery.
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But there are also concerns about the environmental impact of hand car washes, with the Environmental Audit Committee raising concerns that waste water containing oil and contaminated dirt from cars can harm the environment and pollute rivers, streams and ground water.
Its inquiry will focus on the some 20,000 hand car washes operating in the UK in the car parks of supermarkets and shopping centres or petrol station forecourts.
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There are concerns the cleaning agents used can be harmful to wildlife and plant life and the committee will consider how hand car washes compare to automatic alternatives.
Committee chairman Mary Creagh said incorrect disposal of waste could be having a significant impact on local water sources and wildlife.
The Labour MP also said: The Independent Anti-Slavery Commission (IASC) has also expressed concerns around the exploitation of the workforce at hand car washes.
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We are concerned about the cost to the public purse of tackling criminality, including trafficking, tax evasion and enforcement of minimum wage law.
Our inquiry will look at the environmental impact of hand car washes and ask how effective the regulations that govern them are.
It will also ask the Government how it is meeting its commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goals to reduce human exploitation.
In March the IASC announced an investigation into exploitation in hand car washes following concerns raised in the media of endemic exploitation and modern slavery.
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland, said hand car washes are a major area of concern for anyone trying to tackle modern slavery in the UK.
Numerous reports and investigations have identified problems across the spectrum of labour exploitation, he said.
This will be an important piece in the puzzle of eradicating modern slavery from British high streets and identify how ethical businesses should prosper.
More: UK
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