Action Against Litter newsletter – Issue 12
The Lancet countdown on health and plastics
A landmark report in The Lancet has identified a global health emergency in the making, and issued a stark warning: plastic pollution is a ‘grave, growing and under-recognised danger to human and planetary health.’
Beyond being an eyesore, plastic is now formally linked to diseases spanning infancy to old age. The global health-related cost of this crisis is estimated to exceed US $1.5 trillion every year. The scale of the issue is staggering. Since 1950, annual plastic production has surged from 2 million tonnes to 475 million tonnes in 2022. If we stay on this path, it could reach 1,200 million tonnes by 2060. Currently, an estimated 8 billion tonnes of plastic waste pollute the planet, yet less than 10% of plastics are successfully recycled.
Researchers have detected micro- and nanoplastics in human blood, brains, placentas, and breast milk. While long-term consequences are still being studied, scientists recommend a precautionary approach due to links with:
- Cardiovascular disease and cancer
- Diabetes and respiratory issues
- Increased susceptibility to infections
Insight |
Value / Detail |
| Global health costs | Over US $1.5 trillion annually |
| Projected production (2060) | 1,200 million tonnes |
| Recycling rate | Less than 10% |
| Plastic presence | Detected in blood, brain, placenta, and bone marrow |
| Vulnerable groups | Infants and children are more susceptible |
Why this matters for Thanet
Local action has global relevance. Every piece of litter picked from a Thanet beach prevents it from breaking down into microplastics that enter our food chain and our bodies. Together, our local efforts create a global impact.