Chemical Time Bomb: Scientists Demand a Ban on Harmful Plastics Chemicals

Researchers are urging a significant reduction in the number of chemicals used in plastic manufacturing and a total ban on those known to harm human health and the environment. Their recommendations are outlined in a newly published paper in Cambridge Prisms: Plastics by Cambridge University Press.

Plastic pollution poses a serious threat to both human well-being and environmental health. While recycling is often promoted as a solution, the widespread presence of toxic chemicals in plastics—introduced intentionally or inadvertently during production—undermines its effectiveness as a safe and sustainable approach.

Addressing the plastics pollution crisis

To address the plastics pollution crisis, the safety and sustainability of plastics manufacturing must be improved. Policymakers need to make changes to global, regional, and national policies to reduce the toxicity present in the plastics life cycle and address chemicals at each stage of manufacturing.