A technical report from the United Nations Environment Programme examines an often overlooked side of plastic pollution: the chemicals inside plastics themselves. Published in 2023, the report identifies more than 13,000 chemicals associated with plastics and their production. Ten groups, including certain flame retardants, phthalates, and bisphenols, are classified as substances of major concern because of their toxicity. These chemicals appear in everyday products such as toys, food packaging, textiles, and medical devices.
The findings raise serious health questions. Among roughly 7,000 substances studied in detail, more than 3,200 show at least one hazardous property. Researchers warn that women and children face particular risks. Harmful chemicals can escape from plastics at each stage of their life cycle, from production and use to disposal. The authors argue that any global response to plastic pollution should therefore address these substances directly, supporting a transition toward a safer circular economy.