The Global Plastics Treaty and the Hidden Health Hazards of Plastics
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment & Ecology (Plastic Pollution, International environmental conventions - UNEA, Pollutants and their health impacts), Science & Technology (Chemicals in news - Bisphenols, Phthalates, PFAS).
Mains:
GS Paper 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment; Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
GS Paper 2: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate; India's position in global negotiations.
Key Highlights from the News
Key Event: International discussions to create a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty are at a standstill.
Main Points of Contention:
Should the treaty only address plastic waste, or should it also include plastic production?
Should developed countries provide financial assistance to developing countries in this sector?
Should the health impacts of plastics be included in the treaty?
Health Threats:
Plastics contain over 16,000 chemicals, many of which are harmful to human health.
Studies indicate that chemicals like Bisphenols, Phthalates, and PFAS are linked to diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.
Microplastics: These tiny plastic particles, less than five millimeters in size, have been found in human blood, breast milk, and placenta.
India's Stance:
India has a ban on single-use plastics.
However, in international discussions, India primarily views the plastic issue as a waste management problem.
India disagrees with including the health impacts of plastics in this treaty, arguing that it is a matter for the World Health Organization (WHO) to handle.
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