A Comprehensive Review of Plastic Pollution: Public Health and Environmental Impacts, Sources, and Mitigation Strategies

Plastic is a basic material widely used in various consumer and industrial sectors, from construction and vehicles to electronics and agriculture. In recent years, plastic pollution has put pressure on the environment and threatens human safety worldwide due to massive global plastic production, which has led to waste generation that exceeds society's ability to manage it efficiently. This review discusses the types of plastic pollution, as plastic chemical composition consists of long polymers that are resistant to degradation by decomposing organisms. Natural processes break down plastic materials into small particles, forming microplastics and nanoplastics that can easily disperse throughout the environment. Consequently, plastic pollution affects terrestrial and marine ecosystems, causing serious effects on the environment, the economy, and the health of organisms. In addition, the article reviews the main sources of plastic waste, including household, industrial, agricultural, and medical waste. It also reveals the major problems caused by plastic waste, especially its environmental and human health impacts, as chemical materials in plastic cause several health issues like reproductive disorders, hormonal disruption, and neurological disease. It also highlights the importance of control measures and coordinated global efforts to reduce single-use plastic, improve recycling systems, and create international partnerships to mitigate the effects of plastic pollution on the planet and public health.