Plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, with over 400 million tonnes of plastic waste produced globally each year, according to UNEP.

Shockingly, plastic pollution is often viewed as an environmental crisis only. Yet, this problem extends far beyond ecosystems.

It impacts animals and human health alike, necessitating a comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach to find effective and lasting solutions.

Plastic pollution is not just about littered beaches and choking marine life. It is a health issue, a food security issue, and a biodiversity issue. Recent studies have revealed that microplastics have been detected in human organs, raising serious concerns about potential health risks.

These particles carry harmful chemicals such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and other endocrine disruptors. These substances can interfere with hormones, contribute to various diseases, and impact foetal development. Long-term exposure to such chemicals is associated with an increased risk of cancer, metabolic disorders, and reproductive health issues.

Animals are not immune to the threats posed by plastic pollution. While marine life suffers the most immediate and visible impacts, terrestrial animals, including livestock, are also vulnerable. Animals ingest plastic waste, mistaking it for food, which leads to starvation, poisoning, and even death. Wildlife such as seabirds, turtles, and fish are frequently found with plastic debris in their stomachs, which can block their digestive systems and lead to slow, painful deaths.

The impact of plastic pollution on animals also extends to human livelihoods. Communities that rely on fishing and livestock face economic losses when their resources are contaminated.

This not only disrupts ecosystems but also jeopardises food security and the well-being of those who depend on these natural resources. Such ripple effects highlight the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, underscoring the need for a “one health” approach.

The concept of one health is a holistic, collaborative approach that recognises the interdependence between the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. Plastic pollution, as a global issue, cuts across these areas and cannot be effectively tackled through a siloed approach. Fragmented efforts to address plastic waste often fall short because they fail to capture the full spectrum of its impacts.

This is why environmental scientists, medical researchers, veterinarians, and policymakers must work together to investigate the full scope of plastic pollution’s impact.

For instance, research can identify how chemical additives from plastics affect human health, animals, and ecosystems collectively. Collaborative efforts can also lead to better diagnostic tools to detect microplastic contamination and more effective strategies to mitigate its effects.

Policies and regulations also must reflect this interconnectedness. There is also a need for setting international standards on plastic production, waste management, and recycling. Such standards should prioritise the health of ecosystems, wildlife, and communities by reducing the influx of plastics into natural habitats.

By advocating for stringent regulations on plastic additives, production limits, and recycling mandates, a one health approach will promote healthier ecosystems and safer products for consumers.

Since a comprehensive strategy to address plastic pollution requires public support, there is also a need to communicate the health implications effectively.

— The writer is a Science Writer with People Daily and PD Wikendi