A Study Reveals a Growing Increase in Plastic-Related Health Threats in the Coming Years

A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health shows that the risks to human health associated with the production, use, and disposal of plastic are set to increase significantly worldwide.

This is the first study of its kind to estimate the scale of premature deaths and health-related disabilities linked to the entire plastic life cycle, without accounting for other potential sources of harm such as microplastics or chemical substances that may leach from food packaging.

In this context, British and French researchers warned that rates of premature mortality and disability caused by plastic could double, rising from 2.1 million cases in 2016 to 4.5 million cases by 2040 if immediate action is not taken.

The researchers traced the various stages of harm, from the extraction of oil and gas—more than 90% of plastics are derived from these sources—to the pollution generated by plastic waste.

The report explains that fossil fuels undergo chemical processes to be converted into “polyethylene terephthalate,” used in the manufacture of packaging, which is then transported to points of sale before ultimately becoming waste.

Finally, the study highlights that despite recycling efforts, the majority of plastic ends up in landfills, where it can take centuries to decompose while releasing chemical substances harmful to public health.