A report by IPEN PO Environmental Justice Foundation finds nearly 93% of known plastic chemicals used in everyday products pose a high risk to human health. CNN reports on the health risks posed by toxic plastic chemicals in food packaging, clothing, toys and more. 🔗 More: https://ow.ly/WOX750ZTwzU

As we continue celebrating three years of the GFC, IPEN Co-chair Gohar Khojayan of AWHHE, Armenia, shares her reflections on the GFC’s multi-stakeholder approach and its vision for a healthy, toxics-free future. Learn more about the GFC and other global frameworks: https://ow.ly/Nkw450ZRRRI

October is Children’s Health Month, and we’re highlighting the importance of protecting children from toxic chemicals. Phthalates and bisphenols are toxic plastic chemicals and EDCs that can harm children’s normal reproductive development. 🔗 Learn more: https://ow.ly/hZki50ZSAFM

Happy 3rd Anniversary to the Global Framework on Chemicals! 🎉 IPEN Co-chair Yuyun Ismawati shares her reflections on the GFC’s multi-stakeholder approach and the importance of effective implementation for a healthy, toxics-free future. Learn more: https://ipen.org/our-work/chemical-framework/

IPEN Science Advisors participated in the 22nd meeting of the Stockholm Convention POPs Review Committee last week, where the expert body advanced two toxic flame retardants toward global elimination. 🔗 Read more about the meeting outcomes: https://ow.ly/c0Cm50ZSxxO

A report from Environmental Research found that higher prenatal PFAS exposure was associated with altered fetal growth in nearly 700 mother-infant pairs in China, adding to concerns about PFAS exposure during pregnancy. 🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/kh9f50ZRSp3

Lead exposure can have serious and lifelong impacts, especially for children. It can harm brain development and affect learning, health, and development. IPEN’s work continues to push for stronger protections and a future free from lead paint. 🔗 Learn more at ipen.org/lead-paint

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has substantially lowered its health-based guidance for TFA, a highly persistent PFAS that can result from the breakdown of some pesticides and chemicals, citing growing concerns over widespread exposure. 🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/v44750ZRS3Z

In the final video of our Leadership Reflections series, Olga and Mariann reflect on IPEN's vision for a future where people and the environment are protected from hazardous chemicals and toxic pollution. What does a toxic-free future mean to you? Let us know!

Ateneo de Manila University reports that ACRI is working with stakeholders to address mercury-containing skin-lightening products, highlighting concerns about consumer exposure and the need to eliminate toxic chemicals from everyday products. 🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/fVf950ZQEkx

🚨 Happening today! Don't miss "Ending Lead Poisoning: A Global Call to Action" at 12:30 PM EST, where leaders and experts will share proven solutions and discuss how to implement them at scale to end this preventable crisis. 🎥 Watch: https://ow.ly/OzfN50ZPeQQ #LeadPoisoningPrevention #UNGA81

IPEN has grave concerns that the Plastics Treaty INC Chair’s “Chair’s Aid” is a step backwards and fails to uphold the UNEA mandate for a meaningful global agreement. Read the letter from IPEN’s Co-chairs to delegates: https://ipen.org/publication/letter-to-inc-delegates-on-the-chairs-aid/

Lead poisoning is preventable, yet it kills 3.5 million people annually and costs the global economy up to $6 trillion per year. Hear from experts and civil society on expanding effective solutions to prevent lead poisoning globally. 🎥 Watch here: https://ow.ly/Cg8B50ZPeAb

A study by Pesticide Action Network finds that nearly half of all farmers globally suffer from unintentional acute pesticide poisoning every year. Read more below, including insights from Dorah Swai of IPEN PO AGENDA in Tanzania on health impacts to Women in Africa. 🔗 https://ow.ly/uJN050ZOH8T

Leadership Reflections: A Network Beyond Politics Olga and Sherika reflect on how IPEN brings NGOs together across countries and political differences, united by a shared vision for a toxic-free future. What does being part of a global network mean to you?

A major step toward ending lead paint globally: the Chemical Review Committee recommends transparency rules under the Rotterdam Convention for trade in lead chromates, following years of work by IPEN members and partners. 🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/I9bm50ZOsn7

A UN report calls PFAS “forever chemicals” a “profound threat” to human rights and the environment and calls for an immediate, coordinated ban on all non-essential uses. Emily Donovan of Clean Cape Fear is in Geneva for the report’s release. 🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/ZLA750ZNQBX

Listing lead chromates under the Rotterdam Convention could strengthen countries’ ability to act on hazardous lead-containing paints. The Prior Informed Consent procedure would improve trade transparency and give importing countries greater control. 🔗 Learn more at ipen.org/lead-paint

IPEN PO Nexus3 Foundation reports concerns that a landfill fire in Indonesia could release significant pollutants and worsen environmental impacts, highlighting the challenges of waste management and uncontrolled emissions from burning waste. 🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/pzib50ZN2jl

A new study finds significant microplastic contamination in deep-sea animals in the Indian Ocean, showing plastic pollution has reached remote ecosystems. EurekAlert! reports the findings raise concerns for biodiversity and seafood-dependent communities. 🔗 Learn more: https://ow.ly/YhgB50ZMUKM

Leadership Reflections: What drives IPEN's work? Sherika, Olga and Mariann reflect on turning knowledge into action, and the persistence it takes to push for meaningful change. What drives you to keep pushing for change?

IPEN POs are part of a task force addressing alleged illegal e-waste shipments, calling on stronger international controls to prevent communities from bearing a disproportionate share of exposure to toxic substances in e-waste. 🔗 More from Pressenza: https://ow.ly/APhX50ZKvK6

The risks of lead exposure are well established, yet lead-containing paints continue to contribute to preventable exposure around the world. Lead chromates are particularly concerning, creating risks for children, adults, workers, and families. 🔗 Learn more at ipen.org/lead-paint

On International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, IPEN warns that waste incineration, especially of plastics, produces hazardous air pollution and toxic residues. The solution: reduce plastic production and eliminate toxic plastic chemicals. 🔗 Learn more: https://ow.ly/CJQL50ZFOEQ

IPEN Participating Organization BAN Toxics raises concerns that food-shaped squeeze toys may contain hazardous chemicals, particularly posing risks to children. The issue highlights the need for stronger chemical safety standards and product testing. 🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/r8AO50ZJVe5

Join the CHE for a webinar exploring how journalists are covering PFAS science, health impacts, and policy debates, and how reporting can support stronger action on toxic chemical exposures. 📅 October 6, 2026 🕑 1pm EST / 7pm CEST 🔗 Register: https://ow.ly/xcfw50ZJw0v

Waste-to-energy projects face criticism over pollution and climate impacts. Renew Economy reports environmental groups warn some facilities may create significant emissions and undermine waste prevention. Incineration can also generate toxic emissions. 🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/s6K050ZIV02

Lead chromates are used to create vibrant colours in lead-based paints, but they pose serious health and environmental risks. Listing them under the Rotterdam Convention could strengthen transparency and help countries make informed decisions about their trade and use. More at ipen.org/lead-paint

IPEN POs EcoWaste Coalition and IDIS are calling for action against illegal mercury-laced skin-lightening products in Davao City, highlighting the need for stronger implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. 🔗 Read more from Pressenza: https://ow.ly/gNgn50ZHp9f

Leadership Reflections: IPEN and the Stockholm Convention Mariann and Olga look back at IPEN's involvement in the development of the Stockholm Convention and the importance of bringing voices from around the world together to tackle POPs.