In this study by the Nexus3 Foundation and IPEN, we found the “Forever Chemicals” per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in synthetic clothing, food packaging, and other consumer products sold in Indonesia. PFAS are a large family of chemicals known to persist in the environment and linked with serious health impacts, including cancer, heart disease, and infertility. The study today found that 62% of Indonesian samples tested had high levels of PFAS, above the safety limits proposed in the EU for PFAS in consumer products.
Bali, Indonesia and Oakland, CA - A report released today by IPEN and the Nexus3 Foundation shows that microwave popcorn products containing toxic PFAS are made in the U.S. and exported to Indonesia. Independent testing of popcorn products sold in the U.S. and Indonesia made by four major U.S. producers found that all 29 products tested contain PFAS.
Microwave popcorn has been identified as a source of exposure to PFAS chemicals, substances that persist in the environment and pose potential threats to our health.
IPEN has engaged in the science-to-policy (Science-Policy) discussions under the BRS and Minamata Conventions, SAICM, and the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) for many years. In March 2022, UNEA adopted a resolution calling for the establishment of a new Science-Policy Panel to support action on chemicals, waste, and pollution.
(Rome, Italy) A U.N. expert scientific review committee has evaluated two toxic, chemical additives found in many common plastics and has concluded the evidence of the substances harm to health and the environment qualify them for global elimination, recommending that the chemicals be listed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
Quezon City, Philippines Non-government organizations (NGOs) from South, Southeast and East Asia have called on national governments to adopt and strictly implement regulations to address endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in products. The NGOs are participating organizations (POs) of the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), a global civil society network working for a toxics-free world.
Quezon City, Philippines A non-profit organization tracking harmful chemicals in products and wastes has cautioned consumers against buying lucky bracelets that are believed to attract good luck during the Year of the Water Tiger.
The EcoWaste Coalition issued the precautionary warning after analyzing red string and beaded bracelets adorned with a tiger figure that the group purchased from vendors in Binondo and Quiapo, Manila for P50 to P250 each.
