Health Check How plastic harms health
12 snips
Aug 13, 2025 
In this discussion, John Chweya, President of Kenya's National Waste Pickers Welfare Association, shares his firsthand experiences working in hazardous waste conditions, revealing the severe health impacts of plastic pollution on communities. Dr. Cressida Bowyer highlights the ongoing negotiations for a global plastics treaty, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory measures. Meanwhile, Dr. Stephanie Wright presents evidence linking chemicals in plastics to serious health issues, showcasing the dangerous implications of our plastic dependency.
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Plastic Harms Occur Across Its Life Cycle
- Plastics harm health across their whole life cycle from production to degradation.
- Chemical additives and the material itself cause metabolic, endocrine and cardiovascular effects.
Chemicals In Plastics Drive Key Health Risks
- Specific chemical classes in plastics pose known health risks, especially endocrine disruptors.
- Bisphenols, phthalates and PFAS link to diabetes, obesity, reduced cognition and persistent toxicity.
Firsthand Account From A Kenyan Waste Picker
- John Chweya describes landfill conditions in Kenya: foul smells, smoke and visible health impacts.
- He reports unexplained respiratory illness, miscarriages and severe weakness among waste pickers exposed to plastic and smoke.