Plastic pollution in food packaging systems: impact on human health, socioeconomic considerations and regulatory framework

Global plastic production surpasses 400 million metric tons annually. With only 9 % being recycled, 50 % directly landfilled, and an additional 20 % mismanaged, plastic waste represents a major challenge facing our planet today. The repercussions of plastic pollution are extensive, affecting the future of sustainability globally, by not only the environment and human health but also socioeconomic and sociocultural factors. This review examines the effects of macro and microplastics on various human organs and systems, including the liver, brain, stem cells, respiratory, reproductive, immune, and neurological systems. It also investigates the different routes of microplastic uptake, such as digestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. These routes highlight how microplastics with size ranges less than 3 µm can infiltrate the body, causing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular dysfunction as well as differentiation shift of stem cells, which may lead to chronic health conditions. Moreover, this study highlights the urgent need for implementing sustainable practices, policies, and regulations to address the health risks, economic losses, diminished quality of life, disruption of traditional practices, and impacts on cultural heritage and community well-being. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, health, and societal factors, this review highlights the urgency of adopting a comprehensive approach to mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution. Addressing this global challenge is crucial not only to safeguard public health but also to ensure the sustainability of our planet's future.