There's Almost No Research on the Health Impact of Plastic Chemicals in the Global South.

The article focuses on the development of the Plastic Health Map, a research tool created by Australia's Minderoo Foundation to organize and index studies related to the health impacts of chemicals associated with plastic production. Despite the existence of approximately 13,000 chemicals linked to plastics, only about 7,000 have been studied, with nearly half identified as hazardous to human health. The map currently includes around 3,500 peer-reviewed studies, highlighting significant gaps in research, particularly concerning micro and nano plastic exposure and the health effects of alternative chemicals. This resource aims to support global negotiations for a legally binding United Nations treaty on plastic production and disposal, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations and further research, especially in low-income countries. [Extracted from the article]