Opinion: Corporations face mounting costs as plastic pollution crisis worsens

Plastic chemicals threaten public health and could cost corporations more than $20 billion in liabilities by 2030 if no action is taken.

In short:

Plastics contain thousands of hazardous chemicals, including endocrine disruptors like PFAS and phthalates, which harm hormones and increase risks for cancer, infertility and heart disease.
Recycling often exacerbates exposure to harmful chemicals, and health care costs from plastic-related issues amount to $250 billion annually in the U.S.
Financial liabilities from plastic-related pollution could exceed $20 billion in the near term, pressuring corporations to address the crisis.

Key quote:

“The public has been manipulated and the consumer lied to.”

— Rob Bonta, California Attorney General

Why this matters:

Plastic pollution poses a dual threat to public health and global economies. With significant financial risks on the horizon, policymakers and corporations face growing pressure to adopt stricter regulations and reduce plastic production.

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