**Global Officials Measure Plastic Chemical Exposure Amid Ongoing Treaty Talks**

Twelve UN officials wore silicone wristbands to track chemical exposure, revealing widespread contamination from plastics.

As discussions progress in South Korea regarding a global treaty to combat plastic pollution, a group of United Nations officials participated in a noteworthy experiment to expose the health risks posed by toxic chemicals commonly found in plastics. The officials, including U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, donned silicone wristbands designed to mimic human skin absorption, enabling scientists to monitor their exposure to over 30 harmful substances over a five-day period.

This initiative was orchestrated by the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), an organization advocating for enhanced chemical regulations worldwide. The wristbands, simple in appearance yet scientifically advanced, help capture the chemicals present in the ambient air and everyday products. The results of this study, released recently, aimed to emphasize that the very individuals negotiating significant treaties around plastic pollution are also susceptible to the harmful effects of these unregulated chemicals.

The findings serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of plastic-related toxins, urging both awareness and action as the world grapples with the escalating plastic pollution crisis.