context
The urgency of addressing plastic pollution has been recognized by global authorities at various levels. In March 2022, at the 5th United Nations Environment Conference (UNEA-5.2), Legally binding international instrument on plastic pollutionincluding the ocean floor plastic.
This resolution (5/14) mandated the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to convene an international conference on plastic pollution. Based on this mission, UNEP has since: Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) The aim is to develop such instruments that comprehensively address the entire life cycle of plastics, including their production, design and disposal, with a focus on ocean and human health, including environmental protection.
The fourth session of this Intergovernmental Committee (ICN-4) Held in Ottawa, Canada from April 23rd to 29th, 2024with the participation of PAHO.
central topic
Environmental pollution due to the deterioration of various types of plastic materials occurring in various products and industrial processes has reached its highest point. The environment in which we live and develop is being damaged. Plastic and microplastic residues are found in the air we breathe, the water we consume, the food we eat and along rivers. food chain.
There is growing concern about the risks to human health from exposure to this type of pollution, and although more research is needed on this issue, studies have shown that: Impact of micro plastic exposure It affects the digestive, heart, and respiratory tissues simultaneously, with the lung tissue having the highest accumulation of microplastics. Similarly, a systematic review concluded that there are biological parameters that exhibit toxic effects on cells associated with exposure to microplastics, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, and barrier properties.
Evidence of plastic pollution, mainly in the oceans, has raised alarms at the international level. set limits Regarding the use of plastic. Given the high dependence on these factors, countries should work together to define the legal aspects of this regulation. At the moment, people's health efforts, especially the most vulnerablenecessary to ensure a suitable environment, health and well-being.
the goal
Raise awareness among participants at different levels about the significant impact of plastic and microplastic pollution on human and environmental health. Furthermore, this webinar aims to broaden the understanding of health concepts needed to enrich the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee discussions at its fourth session (INC-4).
way to participate
date: Tuesday, April 16, 2024
time: 12:00-13:30 (Eastern Standard Time, Washington, DC)
Other time zones: Central America (10am), Panam, Colombia (11am), Argentina, Brasilia (1pm)
platform: zoom
Registro
agenda
Luis Francisco SanchezRegional Advisor on Environmental Health and Climate Change, PAHO
opening
PAHO’s 2021-2030 Agenda for the Americas on Health, Environment and Climate Change Challenges on Plastic Pollution and its Impact on Human and Environmental Health
Jerry EikemansPAHO Director, Office of Social and Environmental Determinants for Health Equity
Introduction to the expert committee and activities
Luis Francisco Sanchezpaho
What is the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the Development of an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, Including the Marine Environment (INC-4)?
Jordi PonsRegional Coordinator, Chemicals and Pollution Program, UNEP
The importance of the agreements under discussion for human and environmental health
Amalia LabordeProfessor of Toxicology, University of the Republic of Uruguay
ICN-4 health considerations and WHO position
leslie onion Chief of the Chemical Safety and Health Unit, WHO Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health
The right to health in the context of negotiations to develop a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment
Fernando Diaz BarrigaWHO/PAHO Collaborating Center for Health Risk Assessment and Pediatric Environmental Health, Faculty of Medicine of the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
public participation
CIN-4 Questions for Health Experts
closure
Conclusion and future efforts
Daniel Bass, Chief of Environmental Determinants of Climate Change and Health, PAHO
