Publications

This report provides the state of knowledge on chemicals in plastics and, based on compelling scientific evidence, calls for urgent action to address chemicals in plastics as part of the global action on plastic pollution. The report aims to inform the global community about the often-overlooked chemical-related issues of plastic pollution, particularly their adverse impacts on human health and the environment, as well as on resource efficiency and circularity. Based on compelling scientific evidence, it further highlights the urgent need to act and outlines possible areas for action. Ten groups of chemicals associated with plastics have been identified in this report that are of major concern due to their known toxicity and potential to be released from plastics. The report further identifies ten priority use sectors where chemicals of concern have been found in plastic products and where their usage can lead to either high likelihoods of ecosystem and human exposures or exposures in vulnerable populations, such as children. These include toys and other children’s products, packaging including food, electrical and electronic equipment, vehicles, synthetic textiles and related materials, furniture, building materials, medical devices, personal care and household products, and agricultural, aquaculture, and fisheries The report highlights that, in the absence of the implementation of globally coordinated measures, the increased production of plastics and associated chemicals will result in increased pollution levels and associated environmental, social, and economic costs.