Plastic Pollution Threatens Global Health, Economy Suffers
Published on 8.5.25
A report in The Lancet warns that plastic pollution poses a significant threat to global health, with estimated annual economic losses of at least $1.5 trillion. Researchers compared the impact of plastic pollution to air pollution and lead, suggesting that laws and policies can mitigate its effects. To highlight this issue, Canadian artist Benjamin Von Wong is creating a sculpture called "The Thinker's Burden" from plastic waste, which will be submerged in front of the UN. The plastics industry disputes this assessment, with Matthew Kastner stating that their products, including medical devices and water pipes, are essential for public health.