The French Parliamentary Office for the Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Choices has presented conclusions from a public hearing on the impact of plastics on human health, warning that the global plastic pollution crisis requires an international response.
According to Philippe Bolo, rapporteur for the public mission on the health impacts of plastics, plastic production has doubled in the last 20 years and is expected to exceed 500 million tons by 2024. Most plastic production is still intended for single-use purposes, with minimal recycling taking place globally.
The environmental impact of plastics is severe, with microplastics and nanoplastics causing pollution in oceans, rivers, soils, air, and even living organisms. The ingestion of microplastics has been linked to changes in the intestinal microbiome, respiratory problems, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
French Standardization Association’s characterization standard for microplastics in water is being used as an international reference. Exposure to plastics has also been linked to fetal development issues, birth defects, and delayed cognitive development.
In light of these findings, Bolo emphasizes the need for a legally binding treaty to reduce plastic production. “The damage is already done; we need to act to protect human health,” he said. The French office has made nine recommendations to the treaty negotiators, including reducing single-use plastics and increasing recycling rates globally.
Experts warn that the economic costs of the health impacts associated with plastic pollution will be substantial, estimated at $675 billion in the United States alone. As the issue gains international attention, it is clear that a collective response is necessary to address this growing concern.
Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/health-impacts-micro-and-nanoplastics-2024a1000n1v?form=fpf