Emerging Health Risks of Plastic Pollution Highlighted by Experts

As the global community prepares to finalize a UN treaty aimed at regulating plastics, experts are emphasizing the significant yet often overlooked risks plastic pollution poses to human health. A recent publication in The Lancet synthesizes existing evidence on how plastics, including microplastics and chemical additives, impact health throughout their lifecycle—from production and use to disposal—and announces the inception of the Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics project. The total production of plastics is expected to nearly triple by 2060 if current trends persist, escalating potential health hazards.

Plastic manufacturing releases airborne pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hazardous chemicals, which workers and nearby populations can be exposed to. Furthermore, the lack of transparency regarding the chemical composition of plastics complicates risk assessment, as many chemical additives are linked with various health issues at different stages. Microplastics have been detected in human tissues and bodily fluids, raising concerns about potential long-term health effects, though conclusive evidence is still emerging.

A substantial portion of plastic waste—approximately 57%—is burned in open environments, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. This open burning leads to significant air pollution and associated health problems. Additionally, unmanaged plastic waste serves as breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes and microorganisms, potentially facilitating the spread of vector-borne diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

The Lancet Countdown initiative aims to develop and monitor indicators reflecting the impact of plastics and associated chemicals on human health across the entire lifecycle of plastics. The first detailed report on these indicators is anticipated in mid-2026, underscoring the urgent need for policies to mitigate these health risks. The ongoing research and increased awareness mark critical steps towards addressing the health implications of plastic pollution on a global scale.