A leading environmental organization has called on the Government to urgently introduce strict regulations to control hazardous chemicals used in plastic products, warning that continued exposure to such substances could pose serious long-term risks to human health and the environment.
The call was made by the non-governmental organization AGENDA for Environment and Responsible Development during a stakeholder working session where it presented findings from a recent study on chemical risks associated with plastics.
Speaking during the session, Senior Programme Officer Silvani Mang’anya said there is an urgent need for clear national standards to regulate chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenols across the entire plastic value chain, including production, importation, usage, and disposal.
He explained that phthalates are commonly used to make plastics soft and flexible, while bisphenols are used to make them hard and durable.
However, he warned that both chemicals pose significant risks to human health and the environment.
Mang’anya noted that these substances can migrate from plastic containers into food and beverages, including drinking water and milk, thereby increasing exposure among consumers in everyday life.
Findings presented during the meeting show early signs of environmental contamination in Tanzania. Studies conducted in coastal areas of Dar es Salaam have detected traces of phthalates in soil and in drinking water stored in plastic bottles.
He further said exposure to these chemicals has been linked to several health challenges, including reproductive health problems, hormonal disruption, obesity, diabetes, asthma, cancer risks, and impaired brain development in children.
He also pointed to possible effects on mental health, including anxiety, depression, and reduced cognitive performance.
Despite existing environmental laws, Mang’anya said Tanzania still lacks specific regulations targeting these chemicals in plastic products.
He cited the Environmental Management Act, Cap. 191, which provides general provisions on environmental protection and chemical safety, but does not set clear limits for phthalates and bisphenols in consumer plastics.
He also noted that the Industrial and Consumer Chemicals Management and Control Regulations of 2020 provide a broad framework for chemical control, but still do not establish specific standards for these hazardous substances in plastics.
A representative from the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Mugisha Kiyamani, urged environmental stakeholders to strengthen research efforts in both urban and rural areas to support evidence-based policymaking.
He also emphasized the importance of public education, calling on all stakeholders to raise awareness about the risks associated with harmful chemicals in plastic products.
The meeting brought together key environmental institutions, including the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), and the Chief Government Chemist Laboratory Agency, alongside development partners and civil society organizations.
The organization further urged Tanzania to learn from countries such as South Korea, which has successfully strengthened control of plastic pollution through strict regulations, effective enforcement, investment in recycling technologies, and strong public awareness campaigns.
Mang’anya concluded by warning that without urgent action, plastic pollution and chemical exposure will continue to pose hidden but serious threats to public health and the environment.
He called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, experts, and the public to safeguard current and future generations.
