Chemicals

The report exposes the environmental and health risks linked to the growing use of incinerator bottom ash (IBA) in construction materials. IBA contains hazardous substances, including heavy metals, PFAS, persistent organic pollutants, and microplastics, which can leach into soil and water over time. Promoting IBA as a “circular” material risks spreading pollution, locking Europe into waste incineration, and undermining the transition to a truly non-toxic circular economy.

This self-paced and free course examines plastic pollution primarily as a chemical issue, exploring the complex realm of plastic chemicals by drawing on information from key reports. It discusses health and environmental problems caused by chemicals in plastic, including issues linked to recycling plastic that contains toxic substances. The course also highlights progressive plastic legislation and covers the EU ESPR and the ongoing negotiations for a global treaty on plastic.

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.

The study shows that chemicals in mechanically recycled polyethylene, a common type of plastic, can leach into water causing impacts in the hormone systems and lipid metabolism of zebrafish larvae. Previous research has shown similar effects to people, including threats to reproductive health and obesity, from exposures to toxic chemicals in plastics. 

New evidence has emerged that plastic polymers and their chemical additives, particularly DEHP, contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Phthalates are commonly used in the production of plastic materials and have been linked to increased oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease.

Chemicals in everyday plastics may disrupt the body’s natural 24-hour sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythm in a way similar to coffee, which increases the risk of sleep disorders, diabetes, immune problems and, cancer, this new scientific study shows.

The Plastic Tool draws attention to plastic and shows the various aspects of plastic madness from production to landfill. It can be used to pass on knowledge about harmful substancesin plastic products and how to avoid plastic to protect our emvironment and health.

A new investigation exposes the toxic supply chain fueling global plastic production, shedding new light on the critical players driving the plastics and climate crises. The findings were used to build the Fracked Plastics Map, an interactive tool that traces the connections between more than 25 major consumer brands and petrochemicals sourced from fracking.

The potential hazards of microplastics for humans and the environment are difficult to identify. This dossier summarizes main aspects as well as open questions arising from the links between microplastics, food packaging and human health.

Biobased polymers and biodegradable plastics are both referred to as bioplastics. Types, applications, toxicity and regulation of biobased polymers and biodegradable plastic used in food contact materials are summarized in the dossier.

Chemicals from food packaging can transfer into foodstuffs, a process known as migration. This article explains the concept of migration, outlines global regulations for food packaging, and touches upon challenges related to food packaging in the circular economy.

Among the crises engulfing the world is the symbiotic rise of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and plastics. Together, this co-dependent duo generates substantial profits for agri-food and petrochemical industries at high costs for people and planet. 

The Plastic Health Map collates research that measures the potential human health effects caused by a wide range of plastic chemicals. It's an open access tool for researchers, policymakers and citizens on the state of human health research and plastic chemicals exposure. It provides important insights for policy, governance and further scientific enquiry.