Theoretical session

Although plastic is one of the most used materials on the planet, our understanding of its impact on human health is limited. As plastic production and usage increases so does human exposure to it. Existing research on the effects of plastics on human health has primarily focused on specific lifecycle stages of plastics, including extraction, manufacturing, consumption, and disposal, as well as ongoing impacts such as air pollutants and ocean plastic. Each stage of the lifecycle poses significant risks to human health, and when considered together, the picture becomes even more concerning. Plastic threatens global human health.

Over the past few decades, plastic has replaced natural materials such as paper, glass, and cotton in manufacturing, resulting in extreme plastic pollution in our environment. However, the extended use of plastic is not just an environmental issue, but also a human health one, as toxicologist Dr. Dick Vethaak has pointed out.

Source: Chang (2020)

According to Yee et al. (2021), there are three main pathways through which plastics may affect human health:

• Firstly, we ingest, inhale, and consume microplastics every day, which can potentially harm our health once they enter our bodies.
• Secondly, plastic products contain chemical additives that have been linked to serious health problems, such as hormone-related cancers, infertility, and neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism.
• Lastly, plastics and microplastics that end up in the environment attract harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and pathogens, which can increase the risk of infection if they enter our bodies.

In light of these concerning findings, it is crucial that individuals, governments, and industries take action to reduce plastic pollution and its impact on human health. This includes reducing the use of single-use plastics, properly disposing of plastic waste, and promoting products made from sustainable materials.