Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that not only affects the environment but also poses serious health risks to human beings. A recent study co-authored by a University of Massachusetts Amherst economist sheds light on the adverse health effects of three toxic chemicals commonly found in plastics, estimating their total cost to be a staggering $1.5 trillion in a single year.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analyzed data from 38 countries, representing a significant portion of the global population. The three chemicals examined in the study—Bisphenol A (BPA), Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)—are commonly used in various plastic products and have been linked to a range of health issues.
BPA, often found in food packaging, is known to be an endocrine disruptor associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and reproductive disorders. DEHP, used in industrial food processing and household products, has been linked to cardiovascular mortality and developmental issues. PBDEs, used as flame retardants in synthetic textiles and furniture, are neurotoxic and can impair cognitive development in children.
The study estimates that in 2015 alone, BPA exposure was associated with 5.4 million cases of heart disease and 346,000 strokes, resulting in 431,000 deaths. The economic toll of these deaths was valued at nearly $1 trillion. DEHP exposure was linked to approximately 164,000 deaths, resulting in economic losses of $398 billion. PBDE exposure in pregnant women led to a loss of 11.7 million IQ points in children born that year, with associated productivity losses exceeding $80 billion.
While the United States, Canada, and the European Union have taken steps to reduce exposure to these chemicals, more than 70% of chemicals used in plastics remain untested for toxicity. The study highlights the need for binding international agreements, such as the United Nations Global Plastics Treaty, to safeguard public health, especially in low- and middle-income countries where plastic consumption is on the rise.
The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing the health impacts of toxic chemicals in plastics and call for a paradigm shift in national chemical laws to protect human health. By raising awareness about the risks associated with these chemicals and advocating for stricter regulations, we can work towards a safer and healthier future for all.
