The Plastics, PFAS and Toxic Chemicals Crises are Interconnected
On the surface, it may seem like the PFAS crisis, the plastics crisis and the public health challenges associated with the proliferation of toxic chemicals are all separate issues needing separate solutions. But in reality these challenges are interconnected and need common solutions.
Plastics, PFAS and many harmful chemicals are derived from fossil fuels and petroleum and are toxic at all stages of their use—from extraction, to manufacture, to use, to disposal. Plastics, PFAS and other harmful chemicals negatively impact our environment, endanger our health and threaten the ability for future generations to thrive.
PFAS and plastics are forever. PFAS and plastics don’t biodegrade and last for years and even decades in our environment, poisoning our water, land and air. PFAS and other harmful additives like phthalates and bisphenols adhere to microplastics and are able to travel further and persist longer in the environment, contaminating drinking water and cropland.
The widespread use of plastics, PFAS and other harmful chemicals also contribute to the climate crisis. The same fossil fuels responsible for the climate crisis—oil and natural gas—also form the backbone of the chemical and plastics industry, making up to 99% of its raw material. The plastics industry releases about four times as many planet-warming chemicals as the airline industry, equivalent to 600 coal-fired power plants. And the chemical industry is the third largest and growing sector for fossil fuel emissions. Plastic production is growing so fast that, if left unchecked it will undo any progress that is made on reducing emissions from other sectors.
The good news is that solutions are already at hand and states have been leading the way. These solutions include transparency, eliminating the worst chemicals and materials, accelerating safer solutions and requiring accountability for polluters. This toolkit will provide advocates and lawmakers with information about these crises and state level solutions.
