Unseen, Unregulated, Unjust: Microplastics and the Imperative for a Strong Global Plastics Treaty

[This document is one of a series of discussion notes addressing fundamental questions about global health. Its purpose is to transfer scientific knowledge into the public conversation and the decision-making process. These documents are based on the best information available and may be updated as new information comes to light.]

Negotiations for the UN Global Plastics Treaty are expected to resume this August. In this key context, ISGlobal is releasing a new policy brief that compiles the latest scientific evidence on the potential health risks posed by microplastics and nanoplastics. Although their effects are not yet fully understood, we do know that they can cross biological barriers and enter human cells — raising growing concern among medical and scientific communities.

The document also reviews how countries are responding to this challenge. So far, actions remain fragmented and insufficient to tackle a global and persistent problem. That is why ISGlobal puts forward a series of concrete policy recommendations to help move towards a stronger, more ambitious Global Plastics Treaty that puts public health at its core..

Written by Emma Calikanzaros y Claudia García-Vaz.

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