Letters to Ministers of Health and Environment highlight health risks of plastic pollution ahead of Global Plastics Treaty negotiations

From 25 November to 1 December, representatives from UN member states will gather in Busan, South Korea, for the fifth and final round of negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty. This landmark agreement not only addresses the urgent environmental challenge of plastic pollution but also has significant implications for public health.

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Advocacy letter to Ministry of Health

Leading up to the negotiations, Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Europe has taken significant steps to advocate for a stronger Treaty. Among other actions, we sent out advocacy letters to Ministries of Health, supported by the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL), as well as to  Ministries of Environment across Europe.

The letters highlight the urgent need to address the severe health and environmental impacts of plastics, particularly in the healthcare sector, which is a major consumer of single-use plastics. 

 

 

Key messages

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Advocacy letter to Ministry of Environment
  • Opposition to blanket exemptions for healthcare plastics: while acknowledging the unique needs of the healthcare sector, the letters warn that exempting all medical uses from the treaty could significantly weaken efforts to reduce plastic pollution and harmful chemical exposure.
  • Addressing the entire plastic lifecycle: the letters advocate for robust measures to regulate the production, use, and disposal of plastics in healthcare, promoting the adoption of safe, sustainable alternatives.
  • Tighter controls on toxic chemicals: Toxic chemicals in plastics, such as phthalates, bisphenols, and microplastics, have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, reproductive disorders, and developmental problems. The letters urge for a criteria-based approach to regulating hazardous chemicals under the treaty. 

The involvement of both the Ministries of Environment and Health is critical to ensuring a treaty that protects public health while addressing environmental concerns.

 

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Amplify our calls for a treaty that protects the planet and our people