Plastics 'crisis' is costing $1.5tn in global deaths and injuries, report says
Plastic production is on course to triple by 2060, less than 10% of it is recycled, and around 8,000 megatons now pollute the planet, according to a review of recent studies published Sunday by The Lancet.
This causes harm at every stage of its lifecycle: from the extraction of fossil fuels and production, to its use by humans and eventual disposal into the environment, the British publication said.
'Plastics are a grave, growing, and under-recognised danger to human and planetary health,' it said. 'Plastics cause disease and death from infancy to old age' and are 'contributing to climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.'
These harms 'fall disproportionately upon low-income and at-risk populations,' it added.
This is the latest dire warning by experts about the ubiquity and threat posed by plastic, which journal called 'the defining material of our age.' After decades of scientists warning about plastic being found in the oceans and rivers, microplastics are now being discovered inside humans — including in breast milk and brain tissue.
Sunday's release marked the start of a new monitoring system called 'The Lancet Countdown on health and plastics,' which it says will track political attempts to combat the problem.
It was launched to coincide with the latest and final round of talks in Geneva, Switzerland, where 175 countries are trying to forge the world's first Global Plastics Treaty.
Campaigners hope the talks, starting Tuesday through Aug. 14, will result in mandatory targets for reducing plastic production. A group of countries, including China, Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia, have so far opposed these measures, instead lobbying for increased plastic recycling instead.
According to The Lancet, such petrochemical giants are a 'key driver' of spiraling plastic production, as they pivot their businesses toward plastic in response to the global decline in demand for fossil energy.
Different plastics are made from up to 16,000 chemicals, which 'enter the human body via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption,' often from food and drink containers and packaging, the study said.
Unborn babies, infants and young children are 'especially at risk,' with harms including miscarriage, physical malformations, reduced cognitive function and diabetes, it said. For adults, the risks include cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer.
'Given the considerable gaps in knowledge of plastic chemicals, it is reasonable to conclude that the full extent of these chemicals' harms to health is underestimated and that the burden of disease currently attributed to them is undercounted,' it added.
The Lancet quoted one study estimating the global costs of these diseases as $1.5 trillion.
'It is now clear that the world cannot recycle its way out of the plastic pollution crisis,' The Lancet said. 'Control of the plastics crisis will require continuing research coupled with the science-driven interventions — laws, policies, monitoring, enforcement, incentives, and innovations.'
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
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Key Takeaways Registered dietitians emphasize hydration first thing in the morning—many start their day with plain or mineral-enriched water to support digestion, energy, and cellular health. Eating a nourishing breakfast with fiber and protein, even when not hungry, is a top priority for fueling metabolism, gut health, and mental focus. Gentle morning routines like walking outside, sipping tea, journaling, or reviewing a self-care checklist help RDs stay grounded, organized, and in tune with their wellness routine videos are incredibly popular on social media—they're both entertaining and (usually) helpful. Establishing good morning habits not only sets you up for a successful day, but can be game changing in your overall health and wellbeing. There's an equally growing interest in the daily practices of registered dietitians—so what better way to satisfy both curiosities than with a poll asking RDs about their number one non-negotiable morning habit? 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My personal binder for health is a daily checklist of all the small but important things that don't fit in my client planner. Having it in one place helps me start the day clear-headed and organized around the habits that impact my health, whether it's physical (like movement or current supplements) or mental (like journaling or mindfulness).' Eat Breakfast As you might imagine, all of these RDs prioritize eating breakfast in the morning—including Sapna Peruvemba, MS, RDN, registered dietitian and founder of Health by Sapna—even when not particularly hungry. 'I aim to eat within the first hour or two of waking up, even if it's just something light like a smoothie or fruit with nut butter. I don't always feel super hungry in the morning, but I know eating will help support metabolism and fuel my brain for the day ahead,' she says. Other breakfast ideas shared by these RDs include nitrate-free chicken sausage with peppers, onions, spinach, avocado, hot sauce, and potatoes; oats topped with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit; and a combination of eggs, avocado, feta, and leftover quinoa or rice. Many of them also prioritize getting at least 20 grams of protein in the morning! Grounding Downtime For Eliza Whitaker, MS, RDN, registered dietitian and founder of Nourished Nutrition and Fitness, her morning routine isn't complete without a grounding practice. 'Taking a few minutes to ground yourself before starting the day can set a calm, focused tone to your morning. Whether that's reading, spending a few minutes outside, a light walk, or writing out a schedule for the day, this can help reduce stress and give you space to gather your thoughts before your day starts. I love taking a few minutes to write out my schedule for the day or reading before I start work because it helps me slow down and not feel rushed when I start my workday,' she explains. Mineral-Rich Morning Hydration Sam Schleiger, MS, RDN, CD, CLT, IFNCP, registered dietitian, functional medicine practitioner, and owner of Simply Nourished LLC always includes minerals in her morning hydration. 'Before anything else, I start my day with a large glass of filtered water enriched with high-quality minerals (like trace mineral drops or a pinch of Celtic sea salt). After seven to eight hours of fasting and detoxification, our cells are craving hydration and electrolytes. From a functional medicine perspective, this helps replenish minerals lost during sleep, supports adrenal health, kick-starts digestion, and gently reminds the body it's safe and supported. It's a simple habit that makes a big difference in energy, focus, and cellular resilience.' Walking Outside Within 30 minutes of waking, Katherine Brooking MS, RD, Founder of Nutrition News Update (NNU) heads outside. 'Getting outdoors and moving early in the day is a must for me—and my dog! Exposure to sunlight in the morning helps regulate your internal body clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, which influences sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, and metabolism. Morning light exposure has been linked to improved sleep quality, mental alertness, mood, and energy levels throughout the day,' she shares. And she's not alone, many of these RDs prioritize movement first thing, too. Warm Tea with Honey Since I'm an RD, I thought I'd include my morning habit as well! I'm a tea drinker through and through—and have been for years. I love that there are so many varieties to choose from and that pretty much every tea is packed with anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting antioxidants. 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