Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to human health and the planet, with far-reaching consequences that affect individuals from infancy to old age. According to a recent report published in The Lancet, plastic production has increased over 200 times since 1950 and is expected to almost triple by 2060, reaching over a billion tons annually. This rapid growth has led to a substantial increase in plastic pollution, with approximately 8 billion tons of plastic waste now contaminating the environment, from the highest mountains to the deepest ocean trenches.
The report highlights the severe impact of plastics on human health, emphasizing that exposure to plastic pollution can lead to various health problems. Prof Philip Landrigan, a pediatrician and epidemiologist at Boston College, stresses the importance of addressing the plastics crisis, citing the significant health and economic burdens it imposes. “We know a great deal about the range and severity of the health and environmental impacts of plastic pollution,” Landrigan said. “The impacts fall most heavily on vulnerable populations, especially infants and children. They result in huge economic costs to society. It is incumbent on us to act in response”.
The plastics crisis demands a comprehensive and coordinated global response. The United Nations is working towards developing a legally binding global plastics treaty to tackle the issue. However, negotiations have been challenging, with disagreements between countries that support a cap on plastic production and petrostates that oppose such measures. Landrigan emphasizes the need for a treaty that includes measures to protect human and planetary health.
Plastic pollution is linked to various health risks, including:
- Endocrine Disruption: Exposure to plastic chemicals like BPA and phthalates can disrupt hormone balance, leading to reproductive issues, metabolic disorders, and developmental problems.
- Respiratory Problems: Inhaling microplastics and airborne particles can trigger inflammation, worsen asthma symptoms, and cause lung damage.
- Cardiovascular Risks: Emerging research suggests a link between plastic exposure and cardiovascular disease, including increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Cancer Risks: Certain plastic chemicals, such as PFAS, have been linked to cancer, immune dysfunction, and other health issues.
To mitigate the plastics crisis, experts recommend a multi-faceted approach that includes reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management, and investing in research and development of sustainable alternatives. Margaret Spring, a senior lawyer and co-author of the report, notes that regular tracking of plastic impacts will inform policy development and help address the crisis. “The reports will offer decision-makers around the world a robust and independent data source to inform the development of effective policies addressing plastic pollution at all levels,” Spring said.