"Right now, an estimated 130 million metric tons of plastic waste enters the air, water, soil, and human bodies every year. By 2040, that number will jump to 280 million metric tonsabout a garbage truck's worth every second, according to a new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts. That estimate is higher than the group's previous 2020 prediction, in large part thanks to new data that incorporates plastics used in construction, transportation and agriculture, not just packaging and textiles."
"Scientists are increasingly clear on the environmental and health tolls of plastic, with tiny shreds of the material found in the most remote places on Earth and inside our brains. Chemicals used in plastics have been linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease and declining fertility, among other health issues. The health costs from those chemicals are likely reach $1.5 trillion globally, according to the Pew report."
Plastic waste entering the environment and human bodies is projected to more than double from about 130 million metric tons per year today to roughly 280 million metric tons annually by 2040. Newer estimates include plastics used in construction, transportation, and agriculture in addition to packaging and textiles. Tiny plastic shards have been found in remote places on Earth and inside human brains. Chemicals in plastics are linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and declining fertility, with associated health costs likely reaching $1.5 trillion globally. Current production would overwhelm management systems because very little plastic is recycled.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
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