A recent study exposes the significant economic and health impact of harmful chemicals in plastics, costing the U.S. approximately $250 billion annually. Lead author Dr. Leonardo Trasande discusses the findings with LOE host Steve Curwood.
Steve Curwood reports for Living On Earth.
In short:
- The study highlights the dangers of chemicals like PFAS, phthalates, and BPA, linking them to various health issues including hormone disruption and increased risk of diseases.
- Researchers emphasize the urgent need for reducing plastic use and improving recycling methods to mitigate these health risks.
- The economic toll includes direct medical costs and broader societal impacts, such as reduced productivity due to health issues.
Key quote: "
"We all have a little bit of that Pacific Garbage Patch in our bodies, and it's harming us, it's hacking our hormones and contributing to disease and disability."
— Leonardo Trasande, pediatrician and director of the NYU Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards
Why this matters:
The pervasive issue of toxic chemicals in plastics not only poses a direct threat to individual health, leading to diseases and cognitive impairments, but also burdens the economy with astronomical costs. A global plastics treaty would be a hopeful first step.
