DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2017.v05i12.030

Pages: 1964-1967

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental crises of the Anthropocene, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. The exponential growth in global plastic production coupled with inadequate waste management systems, has led to the pervasive accumulation of plastic waste across terrestrial, aquatic, and marine environments. The public health implications are alarming, with growing evidence linking microplastic exposure to inflammatory responses, endocrine disruption, and potential carcinogenic effects in humans. Furthermore, plastic pollution exacerbates social inequities, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities near production facilities and waste disposal sites. Despite global recognition of the crisis, current mitigation efforts remain insufficient to curb the escalating problem. Effective solutions require a systemic approach, encompassing circular economy principles, extended producer responsibility, and innovative biodegradable alternatives. The paper is an attempt to analyze the multidimensional impacts of plastic pollution on ecosystems and human health. By addressing plastic pollution at its source while mitigating its cumulative impacts, society can work toward a sustainable future that prioritizes both environmental integrity and human well-being.