The Stockholm Convention has included two PFAS compounds, namely PFOS and PFOA, in the list of substances to be phased out globally. The aim is to reduce their use and halt their production worldwide. This inclusion highlights the growing recognition of the environmental and health risks posed by these chemicals and the need for international action to minimize their presence in the environment.
The European Union has imposed restrictions on the use of certain PFAS in a variety of products. These regulations reflect the growing concern over the persistence and toxicity of PFAS in the environment and their potential to accumulate in the human body, prompting actions to minimize their use in consumer goods
While there are no specific international regulations for PPCPs, individual countries and regions have developed regulations regarding pharmaceuticals or ingredients in personal care products. Efforts are being made by governments, regulatory bodies, and environmental organizations to assess and manage the environmental risks associated with these substances. These efforts include:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has called for global action to address plastic pollution, including microplastics (MPs). Several countries have taken steps to ban or restrict the use of microplastic particles in personal care products such as exfoliants, scrubs, and toothpaste. These efforts are aimed at reducing the release of microplastics into the environment, which can be ingested by aquatic organisms and enter the food chain, posing risks to both ecosystems and human health.
These international efforts emphasize the growing recognition of the need for comprehensive global strategies to regulate and mitigate the risks associated with emerging pollutants. They highlight the importance of coordinated action among nations, regulatory bodies, and environmental organizations to protect human health and the environment from the negative impacts of emerging pollutants.
The Arab Network for Addressing Emerging Environmental Pollutants (EPN) is a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing the environmental challenges related to emerging pollutants in the Arab region through enhancing regional and international cooperation and providing sustainable solutions.
