look news india
New Delhi. If you are still using plastic without any hesitation, then be careful. According to a new and scary study, if the current methods of production and use of plastic are not changed, the health risks caused by it could double by the year 2040. The research, published in the prestigious journal ‘The Lancet Planetary Health’, warns that the entire life cycle of plastic – from extraction of crude oil (fossil fuel) to disposal of waste – is proving to be a ‘silent killer’ for humans.
The entire ‘life cycle’ of plastic is poisonous
Researchers said that more than 90 percent of plastic is made from fossil fuels. Pollution begins when oil is extracted from the ground to produce it.
Trap of Hazardous Chemicals: Toxic chemicals released during construction enter our bodies by mixing in air and water.
Open Burning: Open burning of plastic waste is the most lethal, which directly damages the lungs and blood circulation system.
Statistics speak: ‘Healthy life’ will be reduced by 83 million years
The study analyzed various scenarios between 2016 and 2040, the results of which are extremely worrying:
Loss of healthy life: 2.1 million ‘healthy life years’ were lost due to plastic in 2016, which will increase by 2040 4.5 million Can reach.
Total effect: During this entire period humanity’s total 83 million Healthy life years are expected to be reduced.
Risk of diseases: The risk of cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to exposure to plastic is increasing rapidly.
What is the main cause of the crisis?
According to the study, three major factors will be responsible behind the total health harm caused by plastic:
Climate Change (40%): Greenhouse gases released from plastic production.
Air Pollution (32%): Smoke from construction and burning of garbage.
Toxic Chemicals (27%): Direct exposure to additives and chemicals present in plastic.
Recycling is not the only solution: experts’ opinion
Experts clearly say that mere garbage collection or recycling is not the solution to this crisis.
“We need plastic production control Will have to be installed. “Reducing single use plastic and switching to reusable materials is the only effective way to reduce health risks.”
What can be the protection?
Use glass, clay or metal alternatives instead of plastic bottles and utensils.
Never burn plastic waste around the house.
Strengthen plastic-free campaigns at the government and citizen level.
