Summary

  • Negotiations to create a groundbreaking global plastics treaty are being held in Geneva, with the potential for delegates to be inhaling microplastics during talks.
  • Greenpeace tested the air around the city prior to the talks beginning and found microplastics in the samples collected.
  • The organisation used an air-monitoring device attached to an individual as they went about their day in shops, cafes and offices, collecting 12 pieces of microplastics in total.
  • Scientists are concerned that the presence of microplastics in the air, and their ability to penetrate deeper into the body, could have health implications.
  • It is hoped a plastics treaty will help to alleviate the $1.5tn in health-related economic losses attributed to plastics each year.
  • Negotiations are set to conclude on August 14.

By Justine Calma

Original Article