As the latest negotiations for a United Nations global plastics treaty kick off, researchers are sounding the alarm on the health impacts of plastic pollution. In a report published in The Lancet, they emphasize the urgent need for regulations to tackle this growing issue.
Currently, over 8 billion metric tons of plastic waste are polluting our planet. From its creation to disposal, plastic can harm human health in various ways. According to Dr. Philip Landrigan, a leading voice in this research, many people underestimate the dangers of plastic.
“Plastic isn’t as safe or as cheap as people believe. It comes from fossil fuels, contaminates our food and water, and is linked to significant health issues,” he cautions.
The project, called the Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics, aims to track the health effects of plastic as the UN treaty develops. This initiative involves institutions from around the world, like Boston College and Germany’s Heidelberg University. The countdown will collect data globally, providing insights on how effectively we are addressing plastic pollution.
As representatives from UN member states gather in Geneva for discussions, they aim to create a legally binding agreement on plastic waste. The treaty will focus on the entire lifecycle of plastics, from production to degradation.
Experts warn that without action, global plastic production could triple by 2060. This surge poses many threats:
- Each year, plastic production emits more greenhouse gases than Brazil, contributing significantly to climate change.
- The chemicals involved in plastics are harmful at all life stages, particularly affecting developing infants and children.
- Surprisingly, 75% of chemical substances in plastics have never been tested for safety.
- Microplastics have been found in human tissues and could be linked to serious health issues like heart disease.
Moreover, around 57% of plastic waste is burned openly in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to serious air pollution. Plastic waste also creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, potentially spreading diseases like malaria and dengue.
The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics is modeled on previous initiatives tracking climate change impacts on health. Its first report is set to be released in mid-2026, aiming to clarify plastic’s risk to human health.
Dr. Landrigan highlights the interconnection between the climate crisis and plastic pollution: both stem from humanity’s reliance on fossil fuels. The implications are severe, affecting countless lives now and likely worsening in the future.
In the face of these challenges, awareness and regulations are essential. Tracking the impacts of plastic can guide policies that improve public health and protect our environment.
For further reading, check out Landrigan’s report in The Lancet [here](https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01447-3).
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Pollution, Chemicals, Climate Change, Food, Research
