Thousands More Chemicals in Plastics than Estimated: Report

Context

According to a report by a European team, Chemicals in plastics are far more numerous than previous estimates.

• The report is  funded by the Norwegian Research Council.

Chemicals in Plastic: Key Highlights of the Study

• Discovery of New Chemicals in Plastics: Over 3,000 new compounds have been discovered in plastics, surpassing earlier estimates by environmental agencies.
  • These compounds are found in a variety of plastic products, including food packaging, toys, and medical devices.
• Danger to Human health and Environment: Of the 16000 chemicals  discovered by scientists in plastic, around one-quarter are thought to pose dangers to both human health and the environment.
• Effects of Plastic chemicals on Human and Environment: Plastic chemicals may seep into water and food.
  • Hundreds of plastic compounds have been found in humans, with some connected to harmful health impacts.
  • Such consequences include reproductive problems and cardiovascular illness.
• Amount of Plastic Waste: Approximately 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated each year, emphasizing the need to address this environmental catastrophe.
• Lack of Information about Chemicals: A considerable proportion (one-quarter) of the discovered chemicals  lack critical information about their basic chemical identification.
• Lack of Incentive for Disclosure: Only 6% of the compounds identified in plastics are regulated internationally, demonstrating that there is no motivation for disclosure in the absence of regulatory pressure.

Recommendations

• Addressing Not Enough: While the plastics industry has stated that any global treaty should promote plastic recycling and reuse, simply addressing plastic waste is insufficient to safeguard people.
• Need of Greater Transparency: Greater transparency is required for the chemicals that are incorporated into plastics, especially those used in recycled items.

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