What is the Global Plastics Treaty and how will it address the plastic pollution crisis?

The Global Plastics Treaty is an upcoming international agreement that aims to establish global frameworks to address the growing problem of plastic pollution. The treaty negotiations will determine measures to phase out harmful plastic production, ensure safe chemical testing, and hold polluters accountable.

How are Middle Eastern and South Asian countries impacted by the plastic pollution crisis?

According to the study, the Middle East and South Asia, which are epicenters of petrochemical production, suffer over 41% of all deaths linked to toxic plastic chemicals. This region is disproportionately affected by the global plastic pollution crisis.

What are the long-term health impacts of plastic exposure in the United States?

The article states that among adults aged 55 to 64 in the U.S., 13.5% of cardiovascular deaths are now tied to plastic chemical exposure. This is a concerning trend, as cardiovascular disease is already the leading cause of death in the country, and plastics are exacerbating the problem.

Home / Environment / Plastic Pollution Crisis Kills Hundreds of Thousands Globally

Plastic Pollution Crisis Kills Hundreds of Thousands Globally

31 Jul

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Summary

Plastic chemicals like DEHP linked to over 356,000 deaths worldwide in 2018
Cardiovascular disease deaths up 13.5% in 55-64 age group due to plastic exposure
Economic cost of plastic pollution estimated at $510 billion to $3.74 trillion annually

Plastic Pollution Crisis Kills Hundreds of Thousands Globally

As the world approaches the final UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in August 2025, a new report paints a dire picture of the global plastic pollution crisis. According to a study by researchers at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine, the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia are bearing the brunt of the crisis, accounting for over 70% of all deaths linked to toxic plastic chemicals.

The primary culprit is DEHP, a plastic-softening phthalate found in everything from food packaging to medical tubing. In 2018 alone, DEHP exposure killed more than 356,000 people worldwide, nearly all from plastic use. The economic cost of this crisis is staggering, estimated between $510 billion and $3.74 trillion in social and health-related losses yearly.

The impact on public health is equally alarming. Among adults aged 55 to 64, 13.5% of cardiovascular deaths are now tied to plastic chemical exposure. Cardiovascular disease is already the leading cause of death in the U.S., and plastics are making it worse.

As the final round of treaty negotiations begins, the world faces a critical choice: continue subsidizing a toxic system that sacrifices lives for profit, or commit to a safer, healthier future. Success means fewer chronic diseases, reduced cancer rates, and billions saved in avoidable healthcare costs. It means investing in material innovation, supporting truly circular economies, and holding polluters accountable, not people.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.