Environmental and Health Implications of Plastic Pollution

Abstract

Plastic pollution is one of the prime and alarming issues in developing countries that has vast environmental and human health impacts which need to be addressed as a priority. Unfortunately, limited work has been done on the topic, especially on air and water pollution due to plastics in Pakistan. Informal solid waste management is being done by municipalities, which is not adequate, and the problem will increase with the upsurge in population and industrialization. There is a need to address the knowledge gap and improvements in the existing conditions to manage the issue of plastic pollution separately. In this chapter, causes; impacts of plastic pollution both on human and environmental health, plastic industries, and legislative context; and best practices to manage plastic pollution along with some important recommendations are discussed. It is expected the data presented may help the managers, environmental scientists, and policymakers to manage the problem of plastic pollution.

Pakistan toward Achieving Net-Zero Emissions: Policy and Roadmap

“…Plastic pollution is a primary environmental and health concern in developing countries that must be addressed immediately . Municipal authorities manage solid waste informally, which is insufficient, and the issue will worsen as population and industrialization increase . The cost-benefit analysis showed that producing bioplastic instead of conventional plastic bottles would reduce environmental impacts.…”

“…14 Municipal authorities manage solid waste informally, which is insufficient, and the issue will worsen as population and industrialization increase. 15 The cost-benefit analysis showed that producing bioplastic instead of conventional plastic bottles would reduce environmental impacts. It is not financially profitable for industrialists to switch.…”