Chemicals

This study examines microplastic contamination in cigarette tobacco across global markets. It analyzed 88 cigarette packs collected from 18 countries and found that microplastics were present in the vast majority of samples. The identified polymers (e.g., PE, PP, PET) are commonly associated with packaging and industrial processes, indicating that tobacco products themselves may act as an unrecognized source of plastics exposure.

This scoping report highlights the vast scale of microplastic exposure in daily life. The author's research on over 350 peer-reviewed studies shows that human exposure is continuous and global. Microplastic releases of 60 different polymer types were reported across five major categories: food, indoors, outdoors, children’s products and personal care/healthcare.

The documentary is an eye-opening journey into the hidden dangers of plastic in our homes. When six couples embark on a plastic detox, it changes their families forever. The film explains what microplastics and their chemicals are doing to our health. From hormone disruption that’s fueling a worldwide fertility crisis, to growing rates of cancer, and early heart attack and stroke, this powerful documentary reveals the shocking science behind plastic’s impact on human life.

Phthalates, widely used as plasticizers, have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth (PTB). This analysis quantifies the global burden of PTB associated with exposure to di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP).

Greenpeace International’s analysis of 24 research papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals found that the plastics we use to package our food are exposing us to health risks – and none more so than heated ready meals and takeaways. Regulators and the industry are failing to act on the problem, which is already causing a global waste crisis, yet the production of plastic is set to more than double by 2050 from current levels.

This study proposes intersectoral collaboration to achieve zero plastic pollution. The authors an intersectoral dialogue amongst scientists, manufacturers, regulators and representatives of civil society about how to alleviate the negative impacts of plastic pollution. Circular economy offers a framework for selecting non-toxic chemicals, extending product (re)use, and waste reduction, which act to alleviate pollution when applied to plastics. 

The development of End-of-Waste criteria can support the EU’s transition to a circular economy. EU EoW policy must be driven by transparency and traceability, clarity and enforceability, and non-toxicity. This will enable genuine circularity, ensure high protection of human health and the environment, and support the EU's leadership in high-quality waste-derived materials.

The brief documents how industry actors manipulate science, lobby policymakers, and undermine democratic decision-making to maintain profits at the expense of human and environmental health. It shares four case studies: PFAS — Suppressing Evidence of Toxicity, Bisophenol A (BPA) — Attacking Independent Science, Benzene — Front Groups and Policy Influence, Pesticides — Combined Disinformation Strategies.