Waste Pollution: Harming Humans And The Environment

Waste pollution is a pressing issue that poses significant risks to human health and the environment. The impact of waste pollution on humans is a growing concern, especially with the exponential rise in demand for single-use plastics during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), around 8 million tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans annually, with microplastics being the most harmful type as they are easily consumed by organisms. The adverse effects of plastic substances on animals above the safe level of exposure are evident, and these effects are particularly harmful during prenatal and early postnatal development. The chemicals found in plastic waste, such as phthalate and BPA, have been linked to severe reproductive disorders in male animals and a decrease in maternal behaviour in female animals. While the full extent of the effects of plastic pollution on human health is yet to be determined, it is clear that the chemicals present in plastic waste pose a serious threat to human health and the environment.

Microplastics in seafood

Microplastics are a global issue, with plastic production increasing by 8.7% annually since the 1960s, and plastic items becoming widely available since the 1950s. Plastic is now found everywhere in the environment, and microplastics are a particular concern as they are often ingested by marine animals.

Microplastics are defined as plastic particles under 5mm in size, and can be further broken down into nano-plastics, which are under 1μm in size. They are often found in the ocean, in sediment, on the sea surface, in the water column, and in wildlife.

Microplastics are commonly found in the guts of marine animals, and can be passed on to humans through the food chain. They are particularly common in shellfish and other animals that are consumed whole, and it is estimated that people who eat large amounts of shellfish ingest about 11,000 microplastic particles each year. Microplastics have also been found in the muscle/meat of fish, which is often consumed by humans.

The effects of microplastics on human health are not yet fully understood, but they are known to cause physical and chemical harm. They can cause inflammation, cellular proliferation, necrosis, and compromise immune cells. They can also carry toxic chemicals, such as flame retardants and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which can have serious health effects, including cancer, birth defects, immune system problems, and childhood developmental issues.

To reduce the risk of ingesting microplastics, it is recommended to avoid eating seafood that may contain high levels of microplastics, such as shellfish and other animals with intact gastrointestinal tracts. It is also important to reduce plastic waste and prevent plastic from entering the environment in the first place.

Plastic waste in landfills

The vast majority of plastic waste, about 79%, ends up accumulating in landfills or sloughing off into the natural environment as litter, eventually making its way into oceans and other water bodies. This plastic pollution has severe ecological and human health consequences.

Plastics take thousands of years to decay, and in the process, release toxic chemicals into the soil and water. These toxins are then ingested by wildlife, entering the food chain and threatening human health. Direct toxicity from plastics comes from lead, cadmium, and mercury, which have been linked to cancers, birth defects, immune system problems, and childhood developmental issues.

Additionally, plastics contain toxic chemical additives, such as BPA and phthalates, which interfere with human hormonal function and have been linked to reproductive, growth, and cognitive impairments. These toxic additives persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in exposed organisms, including humans.

The impact of plastic waste in landfills is further exacerbated by the fact that less than 10% of plastic waste is recycled globally. Recycling efforts vary by region, with Europe leading at 30% and the US at 9%. The low recycling rates contribute to the overwhelming amount of plastic waste in landfills, which continues to grow.

To address the plastic waste crisis, international cooperation is necessary to support lower-income countries in developing better waste management infrastructure. Additionally, there is a need for innovation, better product design, and the development of environmentally friendly alternatives to reduce plastic production and improve recycling technologies.

Toxic chemicals in plastic

Plastic waste is a significant contributor to pollution, and the toxic chemicals it contains can have severe impacts on human health. One of the most well-known toxic chemicals found in plastic is bisphenol-A (BPA), which is used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic products. These include common items such as reusable plastic tableware, bottles, sports equipment, and food packaging materials. BPA is an endocrine disruptor, which means it interferes with hormonal functions and can lead to reproductive issues, infertility, obesity, diabetes, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Another group of toxic chemicals found in plastic are phthalates, which are often used as softeners in PVC plastic to make it more flexible. Certain phthalates, such as diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), are classified as endocrine disruptors and are toxic to reproduction. They have been linked to developmental disorders, reduced fertility, and damage to the unborn child.

The impact of these toxic chemicals on human health has led to regulatory actions in various regions. For example, the European Union (EU) banned the use of BPA in baby bottles in 2011 and set limits on the amount of BPA allowed in children's toys. The EU has also banned the use of certain phthalates in toys and childcare articles. However, these chemicals may still be present in other plastic products, and their presence in the environment and food chain continues to pose a risk to human health.

In addition to BPA and phthalates, other chemicals in plastic have been linked to health issues. For instance, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is considered one of the most toxic plastics due to the release of dioxins, vinyl chloride, lead, cadmium, and other toxic substances during its production. These chemicals can leech into the water or food contained in PVC products, leading to potential health issues such as cancer, infertility, and heart disease.

The widespread use of plastic in everyday items, from packaging to toys, makes it challenging to avoid exposure to these toxic chemicals. However, individuals can take steps to reduce their contact with plastic, such as opting for stainless steel or glass alternatives and avoiding heating food or liquids in plastic containers.

Human exposure to plastic

Plastic waste is a serious threat to human health, with people exposed to plastic through inhalation, ingestion, and direct skin contact. Plastic is harmful to humans at every stage of its lifecycle, from extraction to disposal.

Extraction and Transport

Plastic is derived from fossil fuels, and the extraction of oil and gas releases toxic substances into the air and water. Over 170 fracking chemicals used to produce plastic feedstocks are known to have harmful effects on human health, including cancer, neurological damage, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and immune system impairment.

Refining and Manufacture

Transforming fossil fuels into plastic releases carcinogenic and highly toxic substances into the air. Exposure to these substances can cause nervous system impairment, reproductive and developmental problems, cancer, leukemia, and genetic issues such as low birth weight. Workers in the refining industry and those living near refining facilities are at the greatest risk of exposure.

Consumer Products and Packaging

The use of plastic products leads to the ingestion and/or inhalation of microplastic particles and toxic substances. These substances are known or suspected to have carcinogenic, developmental, or endocrine-disrupting effects.

Waste Management

All plastic waste management technologies, including incineration and pyrolysis, result in the release of toxic metals, organic substances, acid gases, and other harmful substances into the air, water, and soil. This leads to direct and indirect exposure for workers and nearby communities through inhalation, direct contact, and ingestion of contaminated food.

Plastic in the Environment

Once plastic reaches the environment, it contaminates and accumulates in food chains through agricultural soils, terrestrial and aquatic food chains, and water supplies. Plastic can leach toxic additives or concentrate existing toxins, making them bioavailable for human exposure. As plastic particles degrade, new surfaces are exposed, allowing for the continued release of additives. Microplastics entering the human body through ingestion or inhalation can lead to a range of negative health outcomes, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammation.

Direct Toxicity

Plastics contain toxins such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, which have been found in fish and are dangerous for human consumption. Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a toxic carcinogen, and bisphenol-A (BPA), which interferes with human hormonal function, are also commonly found in plastics.

Health effects of plastic on humans

Plastic pollution has become a ubiquitous and persistent issue, with plastic waste taking anywhere from 100 to 1,000 years to decompose. This pollution is not only harmful to the environment but also poses significant risks to human health at every stage of plastic's lifecycle – from extraction to disposal.

Exposure to Plastic

Humans are exposed to plastic through inhalation, ingestion, and direct skin contact. Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic less than 5mm in size, have been detected in the air, oceans, soil, and even in seafood, tap water, bottled water, and beverages like beer and salt. Recent studies suggest that an average adult consumes approximately 2,000 microplastics per year through salt alone.

Health Risks

The toxic chemical additives and pollutants in plastics pose a range of health risks to humans. These include:

• Endocrine disruption, which can lead to reproductive issues, weight gain, insulin resistance, and decreased fertility.
• Cancer, including thyroid, breast, and prostate cancer.
• Lung disease and other respiratory problems.
• Birth defects and developmental issues.
• Neurodevelopmental and cognitive impairment.
• Cardiovascular issues.
• Immune disorders.

Recent research has also revealed that microplastics can damage and kill human cells, with studies showing cytotoxicity, allergic reactions, and tissue damage in cells exposed to contaminated drinking water, seafood, and table salt.

Vulnerable Populations

While plastic pollution affects everyone, certain populations bear a disproportionate burden due to their location or economic status. These include:

• Coastal communities, who may experience higher exposure to microplastics and plastic pollution in their local environment.
• Low-income communities and communities of color, who often live closer to plastic manufacturing plants and have fewer options to reduce their exposure to plastic pollution.
• Informal waste pickers, who work in landfills without adequate protection or health support, exposing themselves to hazardous materials and fumes.

Addressing the Issue

To mitigate the health risks posed by plastic pollution, it is essential to reduce plastic usage, improve waste management practices, and transition to a more sustainable and circular economy. This includes better management of plastics throughout their product lifecycle, reducing plastic waste in the environment, and developing accessible plastic alternatives.

The United Nations is currently developing a treaty to reduce plastic pollution and limit the use of hazardous chemicals in plastic production, which is a crucial step towards protecting human health and promoting environmental justice.

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