IMPACT OF PLASTIC POLLUTION ON ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN HEALTH

Asfiya Naz Hasan Khan, Anil B. Chidrawar*

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing global environmental challenges of the 21st century. Since the advent of large-scale plastic production in the 1950s, its demand has grown rapidly due to affordability, versatility, and durability. Currently, more than 380 million metric tons of plastics are produced annually, and nearly 79% of this waste accumulates in landfills, oceans, and terrestrial ecosystems, causing long-term ecological imbalance. The persistence of plastics, coupled with their tendency to fragment into microplastics and nano plastics, has created an alarming scenario where these pollutants are found not only in soil and water but also in the air we breathe and the food we consume. The environmental impact of plastic pollution is vast. In aquatic ecosystems, marine organisms ingest plastic debris, leading to injuries, suffocation, and death, while entanglement in fishing nets and packaging materials disrupts biodiversity. On land, plastic waste clogs drainage systems, alters soil fertility, and contributes to flooding. From a human health perspective, exposure to microplastics and toxic chemicals leached from plastics such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates is associated with endocrine disruption, respiratory disorders, reproductive issues, metabolic diseases, and increased cancer risks. Recent evidence of microplastics detected in human blood, lungs, and placenta underlines the severity of the crisis. Ultimately, we highlights the urgent need to rethink the “take–make–dispose” plastic economy and transition toward a circular model of sustainability, where reduction, reuse, and recycling form the pillars of responsible plastic management. By addressing the issue at both micro and macro levels, society can pave the way for a healthier environment and safeguard human well-being for future generations.