Health is the new Global Plastics Treaty Battleground

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Health must be at the core of the Global Plastics Treaty. Despite mounting scientific evidence linking plastics to serious health risks – including toxic chemical exposure and microplastics in human organs – industry lobbyists and some countries continue to resist binding commitments. Article 19, which addresses health impacts, is essential and must be strengthened to ensure real protection. Weak or voluntary language will not suffice. A legally binding treaty must recognize plastic pollution as both an environmental and health crisis, with particular impacts on vulnerable communities. The treaty must prioritize public health over profit and empower global action across the entire plastic lifecycle.

Full citation

Street, Alice, and Ruth Stringer. ‘Health Is the New Global Plastics Treaty Battleground’. Health Is the New Global Plastics Treaty Battleground [blog]. (12 January 2025). https://blogs.bmj.com/bmjgh/2025/01/12/health-is-the-new-global-plastics-treaty-battleground/.