Countries Fail to Reach Consensus on Global Plastic Pollution Pact

Negotiations among around 180 countries aimed at establishing an internationally binding agreement to reduce plastic pollution remain unresolved. Late last week in Geneva, discussions stagnated as nations grappled with key questions regarding the scope and funding of such a treaty. While a resolution supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) acknowledges the urgent need for action, only a binding agreement would compel countries to implement significant measures.

The debate centers on whether to address plastic waste alone or to include the production of plastic, as well as the extent to which developed countries should finance efforts for developing nations. Central to these discussions is the impact of plastic on human health. As a material, plastic embodies the characteristics of the global, consumption-driven economy, being both ubiquitous and cost-effective compared to alternatives like glass and aluminum.

Plastics are derived from fossil fuels and are molded into a vast array of products, from essential items such as medical equipment to cosmetic packaging. This versatility has made plastics a leading source of litter, exposing weaknesses in waste management systems globally. Despite their practicality, plastics’ resilience in the environment raises concerns over their longevity and potential health risks.

The chemical makeup of plastics is complex, comprising various polymers, monomers, and additives. Over 16,000 distinct chemicals can be found in plastic materials, with little known about the potential health impacts of more than 10,000 of these substances. A report published in the journal Nature highlighted that over 4,000 concerning chemicals can be present in major plastic types, including PVC, polyurethanes, and PET. Public focus has generally been on recycling and waste management; however, growing scientific investigation reveals that these indestructible chemicals may enter living organisms through environmental pathways.

Research linking plastic exposure to health issues has increased. Commonly used chemicals in plastics, such as ethylene and its derivatives—including polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene—are produced using several other potentially harmful substances like bisphenols and phthalates. Recent findings from Boston College and the Minderoo Foundation established a dashboard compiling evidence from approximately 1,100 primary studies, involving around 1.1 million individuals. These studies indicate associations between chemical exposure and various health conditions, including thyroid dysfunction, hypertension, and certain cancers.

Dr. Sarah Paul, a neuroscientist and head of Plastics and Human Health at Minderoo, noted that while these studies provide associative data, they do not establish direct causation due to the complexity of health outcomes influenced by multiple factors. The ideal method for establishing causation would involve longitudinal studies, which track individuals over extended periods to assess the long-term effects of chemical exposure.

Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments smaller than five millimeters, have also emerged as a significant concern. Recent advancements in detection technology have revealed their presence in human blood, breast milk, and even placental tissue. Although the full implications of microplastics on health remain unclear, they are associated with various disorders.

In response to the plastic crisis, India has implemented a ban on the production and use of single-use plastics in nearly 20 states. These materials are particularly problematic due to their limited reusability and recycling potential. The Indian government has initiated administrative measures aimed at encouraging companies to collect a portion of the plastic they produce. However, these efforts have yielded limited results.

During international discussions regarding the global plastics treaty, India and other nations have expressed reservations about incorporating health considerations into the agreement, arguing that such matters should be addressed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Thus, India’s approach has primarily framed plastic pollution as a waste management challenge rather than a public health issue.

As countries continue to deliberate on the future of plastic pollution policy, the intersection of environmental and health concerns underscores the urgency for cohesive global action to address this pressing issue.