Cross-party peers Baroness Meacher, Lord Allan and Baroness Bennett have urged Ministers to fund “urgent” research into the health impact of plastic waste.
During a debate in the House of Lords, Baroness Meacher called on the government to introduce a £15 million National Plastic Health Impact Research Fund, which a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) led by social enterprise Common Seas are seeking to establish.
Speaking during the debate Baroness Meacher quizzed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care Lord Markham.
In an oral question Baroness Meacher asked the government what plans they have to fund research into the health impact of plastic through a new National Plastic Health Impact Research Fund.
Lord Markham replied that the government was funding a broad portfolio of research in this area through UK Research and Innovation.
There is evidence that nanoplastics cause change and inflammation in skin and lung cells.
Green Party Peer Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle said: “There is evidence that nanoplastics cause change and inflammation in skin and lung cells, and plastics also contain additives, including bisphenol A, phthalates and polychlorinated biphenyls, which are endocrine disruptors and alter reproductive activity.
“Is a lack of knowledge, in the light of the government’s supposed attachment to the precautionary principle, an excuse for not acting while all these risks are clearly evident?”
Commenting on the House of Lords debate, Common Seas CEO Jo Royle said: “We are leading a coalition of voices across civil society calling for the creation of a £15 million National Plastic Health Impact Research Fund in the UK.
“This call is supported by more than 80 scientists, campaigners and politicians as well as by over 90,000 members of the public.
“It’s high time the government created a ringfenced budget on plastic and health research.”