Endocrine Disruptors in Plastics: State Policy Options

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC | Free

About the event

In 1991, Dr. Pete Myers coined the term “endocrine disrupting chemicals” (EDCs) to describe chemicals capable of hacking hormone systems in the human body. Even at the time it was clear that they could cause harm even at extraordinarily low doses, and that they were common additives in plastics. More than thirty years later, plastic pollution has become so widespread that microscopic flecks of plastic can be found in snow, soil, drinking water, and even human blood – and what Myers and others have learned about EDCs has grown more grim. Endocrine disruptors in plastic are associated with a 50% decline in adult male sperm counts over the past five decades, and are implicated in an enormous leap in rates of autism and ADHD among children. Moreover, it is clear that a great quantity of the plastic in our lives was never necessary in the first place. Approximately 42% of plastic currently under production is used for packaging, much of which is discarded as soon as it is used. It is critical that reduction and safer, healthier alternatives become law.

Many of our elected representatives are coming to recognize this reality. This past spring, New York State Senator Pete Harkham introduced bold new legislation capable of reducing frivolous plastic packaging, strengthening recycling infrastructure, and banning several toxic plastic additives. The bill (the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act) is still in play, and is one of several promising state policy options.

On Tuesday, Oct 3, 2023, please join the League of Women Voters and Beyond Plastics for a webinar discussion between Dr. Pete Myers and Senator Pete Harkham. What do we know about EDCs in plastic? What are they doing to our health, and what are the most effective, politically feasible ways to reduce such toxins (and plastic pollution) from our lives?

Register

Register now for this free webinar on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 7:00 pm ET. 

Find more information on the Facebook event.