"Unveiling the Cost of Plastic Chemicals on America's Health: A $250 Billion Burden"

A study by New York University researchers estimates that exposure to microplastics, including 'forever chemicals,' costs the US healthcare system $289 billion annually, surpassing the healthcare costs of the entire Covid pandemic. These tiny plastics, found in bottled water and most food, have been linked to chronic health conditions such as cancers, hormone imbalances, fertility problems, and heart disease. The study calls for a Global Plastics Treaty to address the pervasive issue of microplastics and promote the use of sustainable alternatives to reduce the incidence of diseases and healthcare costs associated with plastic pollution.