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In a groundbreaking effort to shed light on the pervasive hazards of plastic pollution, scientists funded by the Norwegian Research Council have compiled a comprehensive list of more than 16,000 ‘plastic chemicals’. These compounds, found in plastics or suspected to be used in them, encompass raw ingredients and additives such as stabilizers and colorants.
Lead author Martin Wagner, an environmental toxicologist at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, reveals that at least 4,200 of these chemicals are deemed “persistent, bioaccumulative, mobile and/or toxic”. The sheer magnitude of this finding underscores the urgent need for action to address the environmental and health risks posed by plastic pollution.
The report, released on March 14, arrives amid ongoing negotiations for a United Nations treaty on global plastic pollution. Scientists have long advocated for comprehensive measures to regulate plastic production and waste management, emphasizing the critical need to address chemicals that leach into the environment, endangering human health and ecosystems.
Wagner, a member of the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, urges swift action in light of the report’s findings. While nearly 1,000 concerning chemicals are already regulated by global initiatives, more than 3,600 remain unregulated, prompting calls for their inclusion in a ‘red list’ of chemicals that require stringent oversight.
However, the plastics industry remains reticent to endorse such measures, with industry groups emphasizing the benefits of plastic additives in enhancing product functionality and durability. Kimberly Wise, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs at the American Chemistry Council, cautions against adopting a hazard framework that overlooks real-world exposures and complexities.
The report’s authors advocate for a precautionary approach that prioritizes hazard assessment, given the logistical challenges of evaluating exposure to ubiquitous plastic chemicals. Miriam Diamond, an environmental chemist at the University of Toronto, concurs, stressing the necessity of addressing chemicals of concern irrespective of their current usage status.
Surprisingly, the report reveals that many chemicals of concern are still in use across various polymer types, dispelling the notion that they are outdated ‘legacy compounds’. As such, the authors recommend targeted actions to address key chemical groups, including phthalates and bisphenols.
Looking ahead, the report underscores the importance of transparency in the plastics industry, urging companies to disclose the composition of their products to fill critical information gaps. The International Council of Chemical Associations has pledged support for these efforts, emphasizing the need for greater collaboration and data sharing among stakeholders.
Despite the challenges ahead, Wagner remains hopeful that governments will heed the evidence and prioritize meaningful action to combat plastic pollution. With negotiations for the plastics treaty at a crucial juncture, the fate of global efforts to curb plastic pollution hangs in the balance. As scientists and policymakers grapple with the complexities of the issue, the urgency of addressing plastic pollution has never been clearer.
