Plastic is everywhere. On mountaintops, in oceans, inside our bodies, and according to a new expert review published in The Lancet, it is silently wreaking havoc on human health from the womb to old age.

The review, first reported by The Guardian, calls the global surge in plastic production and pollution a full-blown “plastics crisis,” attributing at least $1.5 trillion a year in health-related damages to it.

The problem isn't just environmental, it’s deeply human.

The report warns of long-term consequences, ranging from infertility and birth defects to heart attacks and strokes. Vulnerable groups, especially infants and children, bear the brunt of the burden. “The impacts fall most heavily on vulnerable populations,” said Prof. Philip Landrigan, a paediatrician and epidemiologist at Boston College in the US, and the report’s lead author. “It is incumbent on us to act in response.”

A Rapidly Escalating Threat

Plastic production has skyrocketed, by more than 200 times since 1950, and if current trends continue, it's expected to almost triple again by 2060, exceeding one billion tonnes annually. While plastics have undeniable value in medicine and technology, the most explosive growth has been in single-use items: plastic bottles, food packaging, and disposable cutlery. These are the very things that crowd our landfills, rivers, and oceans.

Less than 10% of all plastic is recycled. The rest? It seeps into every corner of our ecosystem—from the deepest ocean trench to the peak of Mount Everest. In total, an estimated 8 billion tonnes of plastic waste now pollute the planet.

Harm at Every Stage: From Extraction to Disposal

What makes this crisis uniquely harmful is that plastics pose risks at every stage of their life cycle. They're derived almost entirely from fossil fuels: oil, gas, and coal, whose extraction and processing pollute air and water and fuel the climate crisis. Manufacturing plastic releases about 2 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually, more than Russia's total emissions.

Once produced, plastics expose people to thousands of chemicals, over 16,000, including flame retardants, fillers, and stabilizers. Many are toxic, and worryingly, many more haven’t even been fully studied. The lack of transparency from manufacturers makes it difficult to know exactly what we’re being exposed to.

As plastics degrade, they break down into micro- and nano-plastics, minuscule particles that can infiltrate nearly every organ of the human body. These particles have been detected in blood, placentas, breast milk, semen, and even brain tissue. Though long-term health effects are still being researched, early links suggest increased risks of strokes, heart attacks, and cancer.

A Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight

In many ways, plastic has become too familiar to question. Its pervasiveness masks its cost. While it's often treated as a cheap material, the true cost, once health impacts are accounted for, is staggering. The report notes that just three plastic chemicals (PBDE, BPA, and DEHP) are responsible for $1.5 trillion in damages annually across 38 countries.

The danger also extends to the environment in unexpected ways. Discarded plastics become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, potentially accelerating the spread of diseases like dengue and malaria.

A Turning Point: Can the World Act?

This latest report comes ahead of the sixth and likely final round of UN treaty negotiations aimed at creating a legally binding global agreement to address the plastics crisis. Over 100 countries support capping plastic production, while petrostates, particularly Saudi Arabia, and powerful industry lobbyists are pushing back, insisting that the focus should be on recycling, reported the Guardian.

But the report is clear: "The world cannot recycle its way out of the plastic pollution crisis."

Margaret Spring, a co-author and senior legal expert, said this analysis marks the beginning of a series of reports that will track plastic’s impact on human and planetary health. “These reports will offer decision-makers a robust and independent data source,” she said, “to inform the development of effective policies.”

As the world waits for action, the message from the medical and scientific community is becoming increasingly urgent: we cannot afford to ignore the cost of plastic any longer.

Florida health department has issued a warning for people against raw milk after 21 people got sick due to it, including six children, got sick from E. coli and campylobacter bacteria. The illnesses were all linked to raw milk from a single farm.

Of those infected, seven people have also been hospitalized. The health department raised serious concerns about the farm's sanitation practices, stating, "Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases." The dangerous bacteria, which can cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, can lead to severe complications such as kidney failure, especially in children.

The US has seen an increase in the amount of people who are choosing to drink raw milk. People on social media are also encouraging others to drink unpasteurized milk and go for the ‘healthy’ and ‘all-natural’ beverage. However, drinking raw milk is a big cause of health concern. According to a 2023 survey published in the Journal of food protection, 4.4% of US adults report drinking raw milk at least once in the past year. How did this trend come to be? And why are people discouraged from drinking raw milk?

Rise Of Raw Milk Consumption In US

The survey revealed that raw milk is popular among those who prefer "unprocessed" foods, its consumption is still relatively low in the U.S. About 4.4% of U.S. adults (around 10.7 million people) reported drinking raw milk at least once in the past year. The study also found that most of these drinkers (62%) only drink it occasionally, less than once a month. The people most likely to drink raw milk are:

• Young adults (ages 18-35)
• People who live in rural areas
• Residents of states where raw milk can be legally sold in stores
• People living in the Northeast

Interestingly, the study found that frequent raw milk drinkers tended to have less education, while those who drank it occasionally were more likely to be college graduates.

Common Myths That Aid To The Popularity of Raw Milk Debunked

The FDA warns that raw milk can contain many types of germs that cause serious diseases. Scientific studies and many reported outbreaks have proven the risks of drinking raw milk. The process of pasteurization, which heats milk, effectively kills these germs without changing the milk's nutritional value.

Myth 1: Raw milk cures lactose intolerance.

This is false. All milk, whether raw or pasteurized, contains lactose. People who are lactose intolerant lack an enzyme called lactase to properly digest lactose. There is no lactase in raw milk itself. While some fermented products like yogurt can help because they contain specific bacteria that produce lactase, raw milk does not have the same bacteria in the same amounts.

Myth 2: Raw milk prevents asthma and allergies.

This is a misunderstanding of a well-known study. One study found that children who drank "farm milk" had lower rates of asthma and allergies, but it did not say the milk was raw. In fact, about half of the milk in that study was boiled. The researchers themselves warned against drinking raw milk as a preventive measure because of the risk of dangerous germs.

Myth 3: Raw milk prevents osteoporosis and is better for bones.

There is no scientific proof that raw milk is better for your bones than pasteurized milk. Studies show that pasteurization does not change the amount of calcium in milk or how well your body can absorb it. In fact, research on both animals and humans found no difference in calcium absorption between those who drank raw milk and those who drank pasteurized milk.

Myth 4: Raw milk contains good bacteria for your gut.

This is incorrect. The bacteria found in raw milk are not beneficial probiotics. Instead, they often come from unsanitary conditions, such as manure or a cow's infected udder. The presence of these bacteria often signals poor hygiene at the farm. Probiotics must be specific, non-harmful bacteria that can help human health. The bacteria in raw milk, such as E. coli and Salmonella, are known to cause disease.

Myth 5: Raw milk boosts your immune system.

Raw milk is actually not safe for the immune system, especially for children. It is much more likely to make them sick. There have been many documented outbreaks of serious illnesses like E. coli infections in children who drank raw milk.

While raw milk does contain proteins called immunoglobulins, which help fight disease, they are found in very small amounts. These levels are so low they have no real effect on the human body.

Myth 6: Raw milk is easier to digest.

This is also false. Raw milk does not contain special enzymes that help you digest it better. The enzymes found in milk, like proteases and lipases, are not for human digestion and are mostly destroyed by the stomach's acid. Your body has its own enzymes to digest milk proteins and fats, and these work the same whether the milk is raw or pasteurized.

Myth 7: Raw milk is more nutritious.

Pasteurization has almost no impact on the nutritional value of milk. The levels of protein, fat, and minerals like calcium are the same in both raw and pasteurized milk. While some vitamins can be slightly affected by heat, the main vitamins in milk (like B vitamins) are very stable. The small amount of vitamin C in milk might be reduced, but milk is not a significant source of vitamin C to begin with.

Recently, a social media challenge which has led to many people not just trying it on, but to up the game a little bit is the Nicki Minaj Challenge. The challenge is inspired by the pop-artist Nicki Minaj's 2013 song High School, where she sits near the pool in her high heels stiletto with her legs crossed. Many users are now not only recreating this pose, but are also trying to balance this pose on objects to make it more challenging.

Attempting this challenge, a Russian influence Mariana Barutkina tried to balance the pose on cans, and ended up fracturing her back just weeks after giving birth. The new mom influencer shared the 'challenge fail' video of her falling as she lost her balance on top of a can of baby formula, stacked on top of a saucepan, while she ore high heels. The video shows that someone helped her maintain balance and as soon as she let go the hand, she lost her balance and fell.

However, this is not the first time something like this has happened. Social media challenges, as trendy as they may be, has had detrimental health consequences, so much so that studies by numerous international health journals and advisories have been issued.

Here are some of the social media challenges that has sparked health controversies:

Blue Whale Challenge

A 2019 study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, noted that the "Blue Whale Challenge" started by a Russian psychologist, who thought that a person with "no value" should end their life, as does the whale which "strands" itself. The challenge soon spread to other countries including Ukraine, India and the United States.

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The online game, popularly known as the "suicide game" aimed at teenagers which set 50 tasks over 50 days. Where those who took this challenge were asked to do easy tasks like waking up in the middle of the night or to watch a scary film. However, as days passed these tasks grew dangerous, leading to "cutting a whale in your arm" and eventually killing yourself.

The Benadryl Challenge

In 2020, notes Cleveland Clinic, TikTok challenge urged users to consume large amounts of the over-the-counter drug diphenhydramine, also known as Benadryl. This caused hallucinations or induce an altered mental state.

Experts have spoken out against this challenge, as it can lead to addiction issues, as well as other health risks. The challenge, which had gained popularity among pre-teens and teens, urged users to take 12 or more tablets at a time, whereas the direction say children aged 6 to 12, can take ne tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Whereas, for adults, no more than two tablets must be consumed, in 4 to 6 hours.

Overdose of Benadryl can lead to high body temperature and heart rate, confusion, sedation, delirium, hallucination, blurred vision, which could result in falls and injury, urinary retention, nausea, omitting, dizziness, and even death.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also issued an advisory against the high dose and misuse of the same on September 24, 2020. The advisory also noted: "We are aware of news reports of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying after participating in the “Benadryl Challenge” encouraged in videos posted on the social media application TikTok."

The Sleepy Chicken Challenge

While mostly fictional, and used as a joke, social media did start a challenge where photos of "Nyquill Chicken" were circulated. The joke was that people could now coat chicken in cough medicine, cook it on the stove and eat.

On this too, FDA issued an advisory explaining why you should never heat up cough medicine and why overdosing is dangerous. However, it is important to note that it was always a joke on TikTok.

The Blackout Challenge

Another TikTok's viral challenge, which had made waves somewhere between end of 2020 to beginning of 2021 was the 'Blackout Challenge', where kids from around the world were choking themselves with household items until they blacked out. The challenge encouraged that they would get adrenaline rush once they would regain their consciousness and then post the video on social media.

Bloomberg reports, that a 10-year-old girl form Palermo, Sicily, named Antonella Sicomero, had been found hanging from a towel rack in January with a bathrobe belt around her neck.

The One Chip Challenge

The 'One Chip' challenge was promoted by Paqui, a tortilla chip company, with the package that red "One Chip Challenge". The chips were flavored with Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers. The challenge involved eating the single spicy tortilla chip, then waiting as long as possible before eating or drinking anything else.

However, the challenge led to many people facing medical problems, including a 14-year-old boy who died within hours after he took this challenge in September 2023. Many reported experiencing mouth irritation, pain, or burning, along with intestinal discomfort. Furthermore, in extreme cases there were shortness of breath, allergic reactions, chest pain, heart palpitations, and heart attacks or strokes.

The company discontinued its production after the 14-year-old boy's demise.

Sometimes social media challenges can have harmful outcomes, the thirst for stardom causing people to go so far that they hurt themselves. This Russian influencer Mariana Vasiuc tried to outdo the multiple renditions of the trending Nicki Minaj stiletto trending, however that did not fare well for her. The challenge came from Nicki Minaj’s ‘High School’ music video from 2013, which has inspired many to copy her sitting while balancing on one leg, wearing heels.

In the post, the mom influencer shared the ‘challenge fail’ video of her taking a big fall. In the clip she could be seen trying to balance on top of a tub of baby formula, which was stacked on top of a saucepan, while wearing a pair of high heels while someone was helping her balance by holding her hand.

However, as soon as she let go of the hand, the saucepan slips off from underneath her, causing her to fall off the counter, in the caption of the deleted post she had mentioned sustaining a compression flexion fracture. She quite literally broke her back trying to brave the challenge. Here is what you need to know about the injury and how much time it could take her to recover.

What Is a Compression Fracture?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, compression fracture is a small break or crack in one of the bones of your spine, called a vertebra. The break happens in the main part of the vertebra, which is a thick, rounded section at the front of each bone. This fracture weakens the bone, causing the spine to collapse. Over time, this can lead to changes in your posture.

These fractures most often occur in the thoracic spine (the middle section of your back). They're commonly caused by osteoporosis, which weakens bones, but can also be the result of a traumatic injury (like a car accident) or a tumor that has spread to the spine.

Healthcare providers may treat these fractures with medication, a back brace, or surgery, depending on the severity and cause. You might hear your doctor use terms like "spinal compression fracture" or "vertebral compression fracture" to describe this condition.

Types of Compression Fractures

There are three main types of compression fractures. The most common is a wedge fracture, where the front of the vertebra collapses, causing the bone to take on a wedge shape. A crush fracture is when the entire vertebra breaks and collapses on itself. The most serious type is a burst fracture, where the vertebra shatters and bone pieces spread in multiple directions.

Compression fractures can also be classified as either stable or unstable. A stable fracture is when the broken bone typically stays in place. An unstable fracture is when bone fragments move out of place, potentially interfering with nearby nerves and tissue.

Risk Factors for Compression Fracture

Compression fractures are very common. An estimated 1 to 1.5 million of them happen every year in the United States. You may have a higher risk of a compression fracture if you:

• Are a woman who has gone through menopause.
• Are 50 years of age or older.
• Have a condition that affects your bone strength, like osteoporosis.
• Have had a compression fracture before.

How Can You Identify A Compression Fracture?

Compression fractures are caused by pressure on the vertebrae that leads to the bones breaking and collapsing. It can happen due to weakened bones from aging are more likely to fracture. Severe osteoporosis can even lead to fractures from simple actions like coughing, sneezing, or twisting. In Mariana’s case it happened due to trauma from a fall. Similarly, it can also happen in an car accident, or other physical impact can cause these fractures.

The symptoms of a compression fracture can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, you may not notice any symptoms at all.

• Sudden back pain that gets worse with movement and better with rest.
• Limited mobility, making it difficult to stand, walk, bend, or twist.
• Tingling or numbness in your back due to pinched nerves.
• Tenderness at the site of the fracture.
• Muscle weakness or spasms.
• A loss of height is a common sign, as the bone collapse can make you shorter.

How Long Does Recovery Take For A Compression Fracture?

The Cleveland Clinic explains that some types of compression fractures can heal on their own, however it can take months to heal. Your healthcare provider may gives you treatment options like a brace to make sure your spine heals properly.