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Plastic pollution is increasingly recognised not only as an environmental issue, but also as a significant public health and social equity concern. has linked exposure to plastic-associated chemicals with hormone disruption, reproductive harms, and other health risks. Microplastics are now found across ecosystems, including in drinking water, food chains, and even .

Plastic production also contributes to climate change through fossil fuel extraction and emissions, while reinforcing unsustainable consumption systems, such as the rise of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). These overlapping harms affect communities unequally, often placing the greatest burden on those with the fewest resources or political power.

Researchers in the Innovative Methods and Metrics for Agriculture and Nutrition Actions () programme at the ������app of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), are exploring these intersections, particularly how plastics interact with health, food systems, and structural inequalities. They that ending plastic pollution is a global health imperative, and highlight the importance of embedding health evidence into plastic policy.

Megan Deeney, Research Fellow at LSHTM said: “We are seeing evidence of adverse human health effects across the entire life cycle of plastics, which can’t be mitigated through improving waste management alone. We need to produce less plastic globally, reduce the number of chemicals and eliminate hazardous chemicals from plastics. The upcoming final round of negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty is a critical opportunity to call on governments to collaborate in addressing plastics pollution through a full life cycle approach to protect human health.”

To mark , which this year calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution, we spoke to experts in plastics and health at LSHTM on what can be done and how LSHTM is leading the way. We present 10 actions that address plastic pollution across four levels of influence – global, local, household and individual.

Joe Yates, Co-Director of the  at LSHTM said: “While individual lifestyle changes can play a role in reducing plastic use, we must shift the narrative to push for structural change. There is an urgent need for multi-level, systemic responses to tackle the plastics crisis and protect health. The actions listed here reflect emerging consensus on how to reduce harmful exposures, address root causes, and advance more equitable, sustainable alternatives.”

4 Global actions

Address plastic pollution across its full life cycle

Tackling plastic waste at the end of its life is insufficient. Instead, experts increasingly call for policies that reduce pollution and prioritise health across the entire plastic life cycle, including production, design and consumption. Holding corporations accountable for the full life cycle shifts the burden away from individuals and local councils.

This requires a systemic approach. For example, a led by LSHTM exploring the relationship between plastics and UPFs suggests that public health and environmental efforts focusing only on individual choices overlook the structural drivers of overproduction and consumption.

Reduce our reliance on disposable materials

Substituting plastics with paper, glass, or biodegradable alternatives can create new environmental burdens. Rather than simply replacing plastics with alternative materials, identifying which plastic products are truly necessary for society could be the fastest and most effective way to reduce plastic production, consumption, and pollution.

In a recent article, Megan Deeney said: “We need to ask, what can we do without? Replacing one single-use material with another without changing the systems of mass production, use and disposal will never be enough to end pollution and protect human and planetary health, and it can lead to unintended consequences.”

Improve transparency and chemical regulation

Many plastics contain hazardous chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenols, with known or suspected toxicity, including endocrine-disrupting effects. However, regulation remains fragmented and inconsistent. Health researchers and advocacy coalitions are stricter controls and mandatory disclosure of chemical content in plastic materials, supported by toxicological and exposure studies.

Did you know?

More than 16 000 chemicals  in plastics. Less than 6% are regulated globally, though a quarter are known to be hazardous, and most have never been tested.

Support global cooperation through the Plastics Treaty

In 2022 the United Nations launched negotiations toward a legally binding ‘’ to end plastic pollution. This landmark agreement remains under negotiation, with parties reconvening later this year to continue discussions.

Scientific and public engagement in global processes such as this is vital to keep momentum and ensure policies are evidence-based. LSHTM researchers have participated in treaty processes by providing scientific input via the , and calling for , , and equity considerations to be reflected in the final agreement.

3 Local actions

Strengthen interdisciplinary research to build evidence

Understanding the health impacts of plastic pollution requires collaboration across environmental science, toxicology, public health, and food systems research.

At LSHTM, initiatives like IMMANA are conducting novel research on the and strategies to reduce plastic pollution across systems. These efforts to build the evidence-base and raise awareness are essential for informing both local action and international agreements.

Support sustainability initiatives in community settings

Action to address plastic use in local universities, hospitals and community groups can influence wider behaviour and policy change.

Through our sustainability initiatives, LSHTM is focused on reducing our environmental impact, including plastic use and waste. This includes promoting reusable items like water bottles and coffee cups, using eco-friendly cleaning products, and discouraging single-use plastics by shifting to mains-fed refill stations. LSHTM also emphasises reducing overall consumption of disposable materials in our sites and laboratories, and practices responsible and sustainable waste management.

Izzy Murray, Sustainability Strategy Coordinator at LSHTM said: “These efforts reflect a growing understanding that institutional purchasing and waste policies can help model alternatives and reduce plastic reliance over time. But reducing plastic use in institutional settings is not just a logistical issue, it’s a behavioural issue as well – there is a decision maker behind each purchase, and individuals have influence within their own spheres.”

Did you know?

Around just 11% of plastics are recycled globally, and a lot of the UK’s ‘recycling’ is shipped to overseas dumpsites? The best way to reduce our plastic impact is to limit use in the first place.

Incorporate plastic-health links into education and outreach

Public engagement and education in the links between plastics, planetary health, nutrition, and climate justice can play a critical role in building informed momentum for change. At LSHTM, we are addressing the root causes of plastic pollution and environmental impact through research at IMMANA and events such as the upcoming annual , as well as educating a new generation of leaders in planetary health through our MSc Climate Change & Planetary Health.

2 Household actions

Rethink plastic in the kitchen

Plastic containers, especially when heated, can leach harmful chemicals into food. There is also evidence that "biodegradable" plastics may not fully break down in home environments and can still release microplastics and chemicals. Switching to glass, ceramic or stainless steel containers to store and reheat food, and reducing reliance on plastic-wrapped goods can reduce risk of exposure.

Choose lower-impact personal care and cleaning products

Microplastics can be found in many cosmetic and cleaning products, contributing to water pollution and potential chronic human exposure. Plastic-free and refillable alternatives are increasingly available and may reduce both environmental impact and health risks.

Did you know?

Each minute,  of plastic enters our oceans and microplastics permeate soils, seas and even the Arctic environment – they have even been detected in the human bloodstream and lung tissue.

1 Individual action

Stay informed and advocate for change

Staying up to date on plastics and health research can support more informed personal decisions, and strengthen public calls for change. Writing to elected representatives, supporting health-informed policy proposals, or participating in local campaigns can help build the political momentum needed for reform.

Joe Yates said: “No single person can solve the plastic crisis. But informed voices, when joined together, can help shift policy and drive meaningful change.”