Core Viewpoint - Plastic poses a severe and escalating threat to human and planetary health, with annual health-related economic losses exceeding $1.5 trillion. The impact is particularly severe for low-income and high-risk populations [2][3]. Group 1: Plastic Production and Pollution - Global plastic production has surged from 2 million tons in 1950 to 475 million tons in 2022, and is projected to reach 1.2 billion tons by 2060. In North America, per capita plastic consumption is as high as 195 kg/year, while in Europe it is 187 kg/year [7]. - Currently, there are 8 billion tons of plastic waste globally, with a recycling rate of less than 10%. This equates to each person carrying over 10,000 plastic bags worth of waste [8]. Group 2: Health Impacts of Plastic - Plastics are linked to various health issues across different life stages, including liver cancer in workers at PVC factories, asthma in children near incineration plants, and significant correlations with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in older adults [6]. - Over 16,000 types of plastic chemicals exist, with 75% not undergoing safety assessments. 4,200 of these are classified as high-risk, potentially leading to decreased IQ in children and infertility in adults. Microplastics have been detected in human blood, organs, and even the brain, correlating with serious health conditions [12][13]. Group 3: Global Response and Policy Initiatives - The ongoing deterioration of plastic hazards is not inevitable. Effective mitigation is possible through evidence-based policies, transparent tracking, and adequate funding. In 2022, UN member states agreed to develop a comprehensive, legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, known as the Global Plastic Treaty, which addresses the entire lifecycle of plastics [14]. - The core strategies of the Global Plastic Treaty include limiting the production of virgin plastics, banning the use of 4,200 high-risk additives, and regulating medical plastics, which account for 10% of global usage [15]. Additionally, The Lancet is launching a global monitoring system to track progress in reducing plastic exposure and its health impacts [15][16].