Groups seek transparency on use of hazardous chemicals in plastic production
Groups under the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) on Tuesday joined calls for transparency on hazardous chemicals used in plastic production amid the release of a global report identifying “substances of concern” in plastics.
The report titled “Plastic’s Toxic Additives and the Circular Economy,” which was developed in collaboration with United Nations convention groups, technical experts, and organizations working to address pollution, highlighted the extensive evidence of toxic chemical components in plastics that can harm human and environmental health and impede a safe circular economy.
“This report is notable because it identifies hazardous chemical additives in common, widely available products and illustrates how they pose a threat to health and the environment whether in products, in waste, in recycling, landfill, or incineration. In order to achieve a non-toxic circular economy, we must ensure a precautionary approach to prevent hazardous chemicals in all stages of the lifecycle of plastics,” IPEN science adviser Dr. Sara Brosché said.
Among the identified “substances of concern” in plastics cited in the report include flame retardants, perfluorinated chemicals, phthalates, bisphenols, and nonylphenols.
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