Beirut, Lebanon (Enmaeya News) — A newly published report in The Lancet (September 2025) highlights the heavy toll of plastic pollution on global health, estimating over $1.5 trillion in annual costs worldwide.

Toxic chemicals in plastics have been linked to cancers, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and disruptions in fetal development. Microplastics in food and water are also emerging as a serious health concern globally.

Low- and middle-income countries are particularly vulnerable, as limited waste management increases exposure to harmful plastics. Experts stress that tackling plastic pollution is a critical public health priority, not just an environmental issue.

The report calls for a legally binding global treaty to curb plastic production, strengthen recycling, and promote safer alternatives, protecting human health and the environment for future generations.