A study forecasts a twofold increase in the health impacts of plastic.

A recent study highlights the growing health risks associated with the production, use, and disposal of plastic, which could intensify in the coming years if no measures are taken to address this global crisis.

Estimates of Years of Healthy Life Lost

Published in The Lancet Planetary Health, this study is the first to quantify the number of healthy years of life lost globally due to the entire plastic lifecycle, without accounting for other sources of harm, such as microplastics or chemicals that may migrate from food packaging.

According to British and French researchers, the number of healthy years of life lost could increase from 2.1 million in 2016 to 4.5 million by 2040 if no changes are made. The researchers employed an indicator that considers life losses related to disabilities and premature deaths.

The Plastic Lifecycle and Its Health Impacts

The production of plastic begins with the extraction of oil and gas, the raw materials for more than 90% of plastics. These fossil resources are then chemically transformed to produce polyethylene terephthalate, used for making packaging. Following their manufacture, these packages are distributed, used, and ultimately disposed of as waste.

The researchers emphasize that, despite recycling efforts, the majority of plastics end up in landfills, where they can take centuries to decompose, releasing harmful substances detrimental to both the environment and human health.

Call for Urgent Measures

The study underscores the urgent need to establish global policies to reduce plastic production, enhance recycling efforts, and limit chemical pollution from waste, in order to prevent the escalating health impacts associated with this material.