Describing the evidence of how an exposure to plastics at any stage of its life cycle — production, use or disposal — can endanger one’s health, the experts said emissions during production add PM2.5 particles to the air, thereby contributing to pollution.

Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, along with hazardous chemicals, are also released, to which workers are exposed, the experts added.

The team also pointed to a lack of transparent communication regarding the constituents and toxicity of plastics.

Studies have found microplastics in tissues obtained from humans’ brains and reproductive organs, among other body parts, indicating the pervasive nature of the materials.

Microplastics have been consistently associated with higher cardiovascular and neurological risks, even as evidence in this regard continues to emerge.

The experts said that while more research is needed to understand the relationship of plastics with potential health impacts, “a precautionary approach is warranted”.

They added that nearly 60 per cent of unmanaged, untreated plastic waste is estimated to be burned in the open and is a major source of air pollution in low- and middle-income countries.

The review also found evidence of how plastic waste can provide an environment for mosquitoes to lay eggs and enable growth of micro-organisms, which go on to spread vector-borne diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial or antibiotic resistance occurs when disease-causing microbes have become immune to the very drugs designed to kill them, thereby rendering the drugs ineffective in treating a disease.