POPRC experts recommend additions to Stockholm Convention chemicals
Gothenburg, Sweden In a landmark decision, a U.N. expert committee decided, unanimously, that global action is needed for the toxic plastic additive UV-328. The evaluation provided clear evidence that this toxic substance is also persistent, bioaccumulative, and has spread to remote islands and the Arctic. It also showed that floating plastic debris in the ocean is an important contributing factor to this transport.
Last year, IPEN showed that UV-328 is found in beached and recycled plastic pellets collected in countries all over the world. In a recent research brief, IPEN also shows that it is present in toys, which is especially alarming due to its toxicity and endocrine effects.
UV-328 can cause damage to liver and kidneys in mammals. Studies have also shown that it has endocrine disrupting effects, as described further in a recent report on Plastics, EDCs & Health prepared by scientific experts in the Endocrine Society and IPEN.
IPEN Science and Technical Advisor Therese Karlsson said “This decision is a really important step forward. It clearly shows that plastics and chemicals go hand in hand and that plastics can transport chemicals to very remote locations. To prevent further harm to the environment and human health from toxic chemicals used in plastics, it is therefore crucial that toxic chemicals are not allowed in plastics.”
The UN committee also agreed to move forward on another toxic plastic additive, Dechlorane Plus, that was delayed last year.
Pamela Miller, IPEN CO-Chair and director of Alaska Community Action on Toxics, said “We are pleased that the Committee recognizes that global action is warranted. This dangerous chemical threatens the health of developing children because it is found in human cord blood serum, placental tissue, breast milk, and baby foods. The evidence is clear that it damages the developing brain and is toxic to aquatic life. This decision is long overdue.”
Read the full press release at the link below.
