Global Push for Plastics Treaty as Health Risks Mount

Delegates from over 170 nations gathered in Geneva this week to negotiate a United Nations treaty to govern plastic production, use, and disposal. Plastic products contain more than 16,000 additives — 4,200 identified as toxic — that can enter human tissue as plastics degrade into micro- and nanoplastics.

This is the sixth attempt to secure a binding deal after December’s talks collapsed due to resistance from oil-exporting countries and the Trump administration, which argues proposed health clauses would harm business. Research shows that exposure to just three chemicals — BPA, DEHP, and PBDE — caused 164,000 deaths and $1.5 trillion in health costs in 2015.

Plastics release harmful substances throughout their life cycle, contaminating air, water, food, and soil. Linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and developmental issues, these pollutants threaten to worsen global health burdens. With production projected to triple by 2060, failure to act could greatly increase exposure within a generation.

08-08-2025