On April 3rd, Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres held the “Plastics: A Health Crisis in Plain Sight” summit in Washington, D.C. The event brought scientists, doctors, advocates, and policymakers together to talk about the plastic pollution crisis, and the groundbreaking evidence that plastics take a toll on human health and the environment. The group of experts also challenged solutions to this crisis, such as recycling and so-called “advanced recycling.”

The impact of plastics on human health is alarming. Experts agree that plastics are directly linked to a range of serious health issues. Dr. Leonardo Trasande, Director of New York University’s Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards, explained that the 16,000 chemicals used in plastic production pose a significant risk to human health—yet we have information on only a small fraction of them. As Dr. Trasande said, “10,000 of them (chemicals used in plastic) we have no information whatsoever about. That’s a crime.”

The summit also highlighted that communities are not affected equally by plastic pollution. Marginalized communities—particularly Black, Latino, and Indigenous populations—bear a disproportionate burden. Jo Banner, Co-founder of The Descendants Project, lives in what’s referred to as Cancer Alley, Louisiana. She described how her community suffers daily due to pollution from nearby industrial plants. “It’s frustrating when leaders are ignoring the science and the lived experience of the community members,” said Banner, stressing the need for environmental justice.

According to the Clean Air Task Force, the Latino community is among those most affected in the U.S. by the oil and gas industry–which fuels the production of plastics. It is estimated that 1.8 million Latinos live within half a mile of an oil or gas facility, making them especially vulnerable to health complications–such as premature births and respiratory diseases–that can result from exposure to this kind of pollution. 

The summit also covered the threat of microplastics, and why these tiny, nearly invisible particles are a serious concern. Dr. Shanna Swan, an epidemiologist specializing in reproductive health, compared the impact of microplastics to asbestos, warning about their devastating effects on the reproductive and neurological systems. Robin Morris Collin, former EPA Senior Advisor to the Administrator for Environmental Justice, cautioned that the proliferation of these microplastics over the next 25 years could have irreversible health consequences.

Fortunately, experts also highlighted that solutions exist—both at the individual and collective level—to protect families from plastic pollution. Dr. Swan explained that plastics enter the body through the air, water, food, and skin, but noted that simple steps like choosing plastic-free products and adjusting daily habits can help reduce exposure. However, she also stressed that the solution doesn’t lie solely with individuals. As Dr. Tracey Woodruff pointed out, plastic-related chemicals are not adequately regulated, and we need our leaders in government to take action.

As the summit neared an end, Pennsylvania Congresswoman Summer Lee urged voters to pressure their representatives to champion policies that protect public health and the environment. Congresswoman Lee closed the event by announcing the creation of a new Environmental Justice Caucus in Congress.

Although each speaker had different expertise to share, a common theme ran through the summit– plastic pollution is a global public health crisis, but the impacts on that crisis aren’t distributed evenly.The fight against plastic pollution is not just a health issue—it is also a matter of social justice and equity, and we need effective, equitable solutions now.