Context
The urgency of addressing plastic pollution is recognized by global authorities at different levels. In March 2022, at the fifth session of the United Nations Environment (UNEA-5.2), it was agreed to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including seabed plastics.
The resolution (5/14) mandated the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to convene an international conference on plastic pollution. Under this mandate, UNEP has since convened an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop such an instrument, which would comprehensively address the entire life cycle of plastics, including their production, design and disposal, including the protection of the environment, with emphasis on the oceans, as well as human health.
The fourth session of this intergovernmental committee (ICN-4) will be held from 23 to 29 April 2024 in Ottawa, Canada, with the participation of PAHO.
Central topic
Environmental pollution resulting from the degradation of different types of plastic materials generated by various products and industrial processes has reached a high point. The environment in which we live and develop has been compromised: residues of plastics and microplastics are found in the air we breathe and the water we consume, in our food and along the food chain.
Exposure to this kind of pollution has increased concern about the risks to human health, and although more research is needed on the subject, there are studies that highlight effects of microplastic exposure on digestive, cardiac and respiratory tissues simultaneously, with the highest accumulation of microplastics occurring in lung tissue. Likewise, systematic reviews conclude that there are biological parameters that show toxic effects on cells associated with exposure to microplastics, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress and barrier attributes.
The evidence of plastic pollution, mainly in the oceans, has set off alarm bells at international level and has driven the need to establish restrictions on the use of plastics. Given the high dependence on these elements, it is necessary for countries to work together to define the legal aspects of this regulation. At this point, the commitment to the health of populations, especially the most vulnerable, is necessary to guarantee an adequate environment, health and well-being.
Goals
To raise awareness among participants at different levels on the significant impacts that plastic and microplastic pollution has on human and environmental health. In addition, this webinar seeks to broaden the understanding of health concepts necessary to enrich the discussions of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee at its fourth session (INC-4).
How to participate
DATE: Tuesday, April 16, 2024
TIME: 12:00-1:30pm (ET, Washington DC)
OTHER TIME ZONES: Central America (10:00am), Panam, Colombia (11:00am), Argentina, Brasilia (1:00pm)
PLATAFORM: Zoom
Agenda
Item
Luis Francisco Sánchez, regional advisor on Environmental Health and Climate Change, PAHO
Opening
Challenges of PAHO's 2021-2030 Agenda for the Americas on health, environment and climate change regarding plastic pollution and its impact on human and environmental health
Daniel Buss, chief of the Climate Change and Environmental Determinants Unit, PAHO
Introduction to the panel of experts and the activity
Luis Francisco Sánchez, PAHO
What is the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the Development of an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, including in the Marine Environment (INC-4)?
Jordi Pon, regional coordinator of the Chemicals and Pollution Program, UNEP
Importance of the agreement under discussion for human and environmental health
Amalia Laborde, professor of Toxicology, University of the Republic of Uruguay
Considerations and WHO's position on health issues at ICN-4
Lesley Onyon, chief of the Chemical Safety and Health Unit of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, WHO
The right to health in the context of the Negotiation to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment
Fernando Díaz Barriga, WHO/PAHO Collaborating Center for Health Risk Assessment and Children's Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (Mexico)
Participation of the public: Questions to the experts on health in CIN-4
MODERATION: Alejandra Hoyos, consultant on solid waste, PAHO
Conclusions and future actions
PAHO and its support to countries in the context of the agreement
Daniel Buss, chief of the Climate Change and Environmental Determinants Unit, PAHO