A global plastics treaty is being developed by world leaders to address the urgent need to tackle the global crisis of plastic pollution. Environmental Health Sciences chief scientist Pete Myers has emphasized the undeniable harm caused by plastic pollution to both our health and the environment in an article for Reuters.
Myers points out that the pervasive presence of plastic in our daily lives has led to contamination of our bodies, resulting in health issues such as obesity, reduced fertility, and other serious diseases. Recent studies have shown that the economic costs of plastic pollution in the United States alone amount to $250 billion annually, with far-reaching implications for public health and safety.
To address this crisis, ongoing discussions for an international treaty on plastics seek to phase out hazardous and unnecessary plastics. Myers stresses the importance of identifying and eliminating any plastic products that are wasteful, unnecessary, unsafe, and untested. Plastics release harmful chemicals that can enter human bodies, causing diseases like cancer, diabetes, and reproductive problems. Moreover, these plastics break down into microplastics that contaminate water sources and ecosystems, impacting wildlife and the overall environmental balance.
Environmental Health News (EHN), where Dr. Myers is a founder and chief scientist, is supported by Environmental Health Sciences but maintains editorial independence. EHN has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution for years. The urgency of addressing this issue cannot be overstated, and concerted global efforts are needed to safeguard our health, environment, and future generations from the harmful impacts of plastic waste.
The development of a global plastics treaty would establish enforceable standards to reduce the use of harmful plastics, promote sustainable alternatives, and lessen the toxic burden on both people and the planet. With global cooperation required to tackle this issue head-on, it’s crucial for world leaders to come together to create a comprehensive plan that will help protect our health and environment for generations to come.
