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A robust UN Global Plastic Treaty could shield future generations and ecosystems from the devastating effects of plastic pollution. Our press release about the UN Global Plastic Treaty (INC5): Ignoring plastic health impact “delusional”, say leading health scientists.
While the treaty is still under negotiation, many nations and regions are already taking meaningful steps. These include introducing bans on intentionally added microplastics and single-use plastics, along with ambitious policies to create a world free from micro- and nanoplastics.
Such measures are critical to driving a systemic shift from a fossil-fuel-based economy to a bio-based circular one—a shift essential for the survival of our planet and humanity. Scientific evidence increasingly shows that plastic pollution, along with its toxic additives, devastates ecosystems, worsens the global health crises, and can lead to premature mortality. In this century, macro-, micro-, and nanoplastic pollution is rising sharply, and the public health risks are multiplying. Quite simply, life is becoming plastic.
In this second 'Scientists Speak Out' video, Brazilian professor Thais Mauad presents groundbreaking findings showing that microplastics can enter the brain via the nose, raising fears of heightened neurological disease risks, including Parkinson's, dementia, and developmental issues in children.
The Plastic Health Council brings together Plastic Soup Foundation and A Plastic Planet, united in their commitment to support the expert scientists, ensuring their research on micro and nano plastics, and the impact of their chemical additives on human health, is considered in the UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations.
We can facilitate direct connections between policymakers and these pioneering scientists conducting crucial research on the health effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). Evidence increasingly suggests that MNP pollution poses even greater risks than previously estimated. Found in clouds, rain, soil, Antarctic ice, waterways, and indoor spaces, MNPs pervade our environment and are inescapable in our daily lives.
Continuing to support a plastic-based economy that relies heavily on disposable food packaging carries unacceptable health risks. A recent study by the Swiss Food Packaging Forum exposed that harmful chemicals in packaging can migrate into human blood. Another study in the USA has calculated annual health costs due to chemical additives at $250 billion. And let’s not overlook that a single liter of bottled water contains an average of 240,000 micro- and nanoplastics particles. We can no longer ignore the damage being done.
World leaders have the chance to tackle plastic pollution on a global scale at INC5 in Busan. A strong Global Plastic Treaty must shield society from the mounting health and environmental crisis by cutting plastic production at the source.
Humanity has pivoted before when faced with public health threats from environmental pollutants. We united to repair the ozone layer, curb acid rain, and ban toxic pesticides. Each time, strong action at the highest levels sparked innovations that solved the problem.
The Global Plastic Treaty must achieve a similar turning point. We must target the root of the problem—by reducing plastic production, banning dangerous single-use plastics, and eliminating harmful chemicals once and for all.
Professor Dr. Dick Vethaak, a leading expert on plastics and human health, sums it up powerfully:
“Scientists like me have spent decades studying the chemical dangers of plastics, and we know a great deal. The data show that no one, anywhere, is safe from exposure to plastic particles and chemicals. Our civilization’s future is threatened by this plastic deluge and its growing, devastating impact. We need to stop it now. Lawmakers, we urge you to make the systemic changes necessary to protect us from the harmful excesses of the plastic industry. We cannot do this alone. We need your help."
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