Plastic pollution is not only a waste issue, it's also a chemical safety concern. A report highlighted by Ateneo de Manila University examines hidden chemical risks from plastics, including exposure to phthalates and bisphenols linked to human health impacts. 🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/kFp050ZGABA

Mercury pollution from small-scale gold mining is a human rights, environmental, and health issue. IPEN’s study highlights the impacts of mercury contamination and the need for stronger action to end mercury trade and use in gold mining. 🔗 Read the report: https://ow.ly/KsjL50ZGyOC

Investigations into recycling facilities in Thailand have raised concerns over illegal operations and alleged toxic waste releases linked to some foreign-owned plants. The Thaiger highlights broader challenges around transboundary waste trade and enforcement. 🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/taQM50ZG9GW

ICYMI: Dr. Bethanie Carney Almroth is the new Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights. A Professor of ecotoxicology, her research focuses on chemicals, pollution, and waste. 🔗 Learn more: https://ow.ly/qLXc50ZFiZ8 🔗 IPEN’s statement: https://ow.ly/MHsn50ZFiZ7

Microplastics have reached some of Earth’s most remote ecosystems. New research found them in deep-sea molluscs more than 2,000 metres below the surface, highlighting that plastic pollution is also a chemical pollution issue. 🔗 Read more from Oceanographic Magazine: https://ow.ly/UeBi50ZFjtu

Leadership Reflections: How does IPEN help NGOs? In the latest video in our Leadership Reflections series, Mariann and Olga reflect on how IPEN helps amplify NGO voices from the local to the global level. How has being part of a network strengthened your voice?

Mercury has been detected in cosmetic products being sold illegally, raising concerns about exposure to a persistent toxic metal, IPEN Participating Organization EcoWaste Coalition reports. 🔗 Read more: http://ecowastecoalition.blogspot.com/2026/07/ecowaste-coalition-finds-toxic-mercury.html

Plastic waste and recycling workers can face chemical exposures that often go unseen. IPEN's Plastics Poison the Workplace reports explore why protecting workers' health must be part of addressing the plastics crisis. 🔗 Read the reports: https://ow.ly/6fF950ZCq9S

Malaysia has enacted a total ban on imported electronic waste to curb illegal processing facilities, Mongabay reports. Officials say the move will help stop toxic heavy metals and plastic residue from contaminating local waterways. 🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/RNwx50ZA9BQ

EDCs can be found in everyday products, including cosmetics, baby bottles, and cleaning products. For more on the growing body of evidence linking EDC exposures to serious health concerns, check out IPEN and the Endocrine Society report linked below. 🔗 Read the report: https://ow.ly/CeZm50ZA9Pw

Painted building surfaces may be a hidden long-term source of PFAS pollution, Chemistry World reports. Researchers warn existing architectural coatings could slowly release PFAS into surrounding ecosystems for decades. 🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/G35z50ZA9ze

Leadership Reflections: What does IPEN mean to you? In the first video of our Leadership Reflections series, Olga Speranskaya, Mariann Lloyd-Smith, and Sherika Whitelocke-Ballingsingh share what IPEN means to them. What does IPEN mean to YOU? Let us know in the comments.👇

Reminder: Coming up this Tuesday! Don't miss this webinar on lead chromate pigments in Latin America, covering trade, national regulations, and Parties' obligations under the Rotterdam Convention. 🔗 Register today: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OgL6pWWISu-WcaXUv5xIQg

Independent lab analyses commissioned for an IPEN PO CEJAD study found hazardous flame retardants and toxic heavy metals in plastic children's products and household utensils sold in Kenya, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation reports. 🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/57vn50ZxUQ9

Join the second session of IPEN's IC-1 Discussion Series for an overview of key decisions expected at the Global Framework on Chemicals IC-1 and a discussion on the GFC Issues of Concern. 📅 Wednesday, August 19 🕒 9pm Manila | 3pm CEST 💻 Register here: https://ow.ly/BZHH50ZzPPR

Pacific Island negotiators, led by Fiji, are pushing for strict caps on plastic production and mandatory disclosure of toxic chemical additives in the global Plastics Treaty, National Indigenous Times reports. 🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/riRn50ZxULQ

Plastics are a health issue as well as an environmental one, with risks affecting people and communities throughout the plastics lifecycle. Swipe through to learn more about the health concerns linked to plastics and efforts to address them. 🔗 Learn more at ipen.org

A new review spanning 40+ years of studies shows how PFAS build up through Great Lakes food webs, raising concerns about exposure through contaminated fish. Michigan Advance reports scientists track only a fraction of the thousands of PFAS in use today. 🔗 Learn more: https://ow.ly/4IkR50ZxRqY

Your organization's voice can help strengthen global action on harmful chemicals. ✍️ Sign the Civil Society Common Statement today: https://bit.ly/GFCSTATEMENT

Join a webinar on 8/18 on lead chromate pigments in Latin America, covering trade, national regulations, and Parties' obligations under the Rotterdam Convention. Organized by Casa Cem, Taller Ecologista, ACPO & Colnodo, with support from IPEN. 🔗 Register: https://ow.ly/W5ct50Zx8Q1

Protecting people and the planet from toxic chemicals is a shared responsibility. Join the movement. Sign the Common Statement: https://bit.ly/GFCSTATEMENT

Keeping the momentum going means looking beyond plastic waste. Many everyday plastics contain toxic chemicals like phthalates and bisphenols. Explore IPEN-supported reports on their health risks and why stronger action is needed. 🔗 Learn more: https://ow.ly/IZKL50Zvwob

A UN Food and Agriculture Organization assessment urges rigorous risk evaluation for recycled plastic used in food contact materials, Quality Assurance & Food Safety reports. Without better decontamination, hazardous chemicals can migrate into food. 🔗 https://ow.ly/zyxY50Zvwsz

The Global Framework on Chemicals represents an important opportunity to reduce pollution, prevent exposure to harmful chemicals, and protect future generations. ✍️ Sign the Civil Society Common Statement today: https://bit.ly/GFCSTATEMENT

Plastic Free July may be ending, but the fight against plastic pollution continues. From toxic chemicals in plastics to the need for a strong global Plastics Treaty, there's still much to learn, and even more to do. Explore IPEN's FAQs on plastics and chemicals: https://ow.ly/bYIh50Zvlal

Join organizations across the globe in signing the Global Framework on Chemicals Common Statement and demonstrate your commitment to protecting health and safeguarding the environment. ✍️ Add your organization's name: https://bit.ly/GFCSTATEMENT

A new study detected short-chain PFAS "forever chemicals" leaching from children's plush toys during mouthing behavior, News Medical reports. The findings reveal another hidden pathway of PFAS exposure through everyday products. 🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/IH9E50ZtReN

Global commitments need real action. Support the Global Framework on Chemicals by signing the Civil Society Common Statement. ✍️ Sign on today: https://bit.ly/GFCSTATEMENT

Plastic pollution threatens human health and the environment. Join Health Care Without Harm Asia for a webinar on health-centered solutions through a One Health approach. 📅 July 30 🕘 9am PHT / 3am CEST 🔗 bit.ly/HCWHSignaWebinar

Join organizations worldwide calling for stronger action on chemicals and waste. ✍️ Sign the Global Framework on Chemicals Common Statement. https://bit.ly/GFCSTATEMENT