New Delhi: Without significant changes in current practices, plastic pollution worldwide is set to become a serious health hazard. A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal warns that by 2040, health risks linked to plastic could double.
The research highlights that every stage of plastic’s lifecycle harms human health, starting from the extraction of fossil fuels, which serve as raw materials for over 90 percent of plastic production. Subsequent stages including manufacturing, usage, and disposal or release into the environment emit toxic substances harmful to both humans and ecosystems.
The study compares potential future scenarios related to plastic consumption and waste management between 2016 and 2040, assessing their impacts on global human health. If current trends continue, the negative health effects caused by plastic are expected to more than double by 2040.
Greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production and waste will contribute about 40 percent of the health damage through global warming. Air pollution, largely due to plastic manufacturing processes, will account for 32 percent, while toxic chemicals released throughout plastic’s lifecycle will contribute 27 percent. Other factors such as water scarcity, ozone depletion, and increased ionising radiation will cause less than one percent of the health impact.
Megan Deeny from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, part of the research team, said the study found that emissions from the entire plastic lifecycle worsen global warming, air pollution, and exposure to toxins, increasing risks of cancer and non-communicable diseases. The greatest harm stems from plastic production and open burning of plastic waste.
The study estimates that if no policy, economic, infrastructure, material, or consumer behaviour changes occur, the annual health burden could more than double. In 2016, plastic-related health damage was equivalent to 2.1 million healthy life years lost, which could rise to 4.5 million by 2040.
Overall, the research suggests that between 2016 and 2040, global plastic systems may reduce healthy life expectancy by as much as 83 million years.
Importantly, the study notes that improving plastic waste collection and recycling alone will not significantly reduce health impacts. However, combining waste management with changes in materials and reuse practices can lower health risks associated with plastic.
The researchers recommend that policymakers implement stricter controls on new plastic production and substantially reduce unnecessary plastic use to mitigate emissions and protect human health.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment