Recent studies have highlighted significant health risks associated with everyday substances like plastic and betel nut, with dire warnings for the future. According to a report published in 'Lancet Planetary Health' and covered by Qaumi Awaz Stories, if the current trends in plastic production and usage continue, it could lead to a loss of 83 million healthy life years globally by 2040. The study, led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, emphasizes that the dangers of plastic are not limited to waste but begin from the production stage itself. Toxic elements are released at every phase, from extraction to disposal, leading to respiratory diseases, hormonal imbalances, and cancer. The report warns, "Plastic's impact on health can span from birth to old age," and calls for urgent policy changes to mitigate these risks. The sentiment across sources is negative, highlighting the urgency of the issue.