MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Pollution Control Association of Liberia (POCAL), in partnership with the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), has launched a new initiative aimed at protecting public health from harmful chemicals in plastics.

The project, titled “Regulating Toxic Plastics: Country Situation Report and National Campaigning on Phthalates, Bisphenols and the Gaps in Protection,” will assess Liberia’s regulatory landscape concerning the two groups of toxic chemicals.

These chemicals, commonly used to soften or harden plastics, have been linked to a range of adverse health effects globally, including hormonal disruptions and developmental issues.

Running from July 2025 to April 2026, POCAL’s Deputy Director for Operations, Thomas Garnett, said,” The project’s cornerstone will be the development of a detailed Country Situation Report”.

According to him, the report will investigate the production, use, regulation, and health impacts of these chemicals within Liberia, highlighting significant gaps in existing national protections.

He said,” The national report shall be used for national communications objectives, to ensure that local decision makers and the public are aware of the issue and to urge policymakers to take action”.

Meanwhile, a major national outreach campaign is planned for March 2026 to launch the report’s findings.