Launched in August 2025, the Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics is an independent global monitoring initiative that tracks the health impacts of plastics throughout their entire life cycle.

Plastics production is rising at an almost exponential rate and is expected to double by 2040. With limited recycling and long-lasting persistence in the environment, plastic pollution is escalating rapidly, leading to increased human exposure.

What the Countdown Tracks?

In its initial phase, the Countdown will develop and monitor indicators across four key domains:

1. Emissions – Monitoring and, where possible, quantifying hazardous emissions across every stage of the plastic life cycle.
2. Exposures – Measuring environmental and biological concentrations of plastics, plastic-related chemicals, and micro- and nanoplastics.
3. Health Impacts – Tracking the direct health effects of plastics and plastic-related pollutants on individuals and populations.
4. Interventions and Engagement – Assessing actions, policies, and public engagement efforts that aim to reduce plastic exposure and its health risks.

The initiative is co-chaired by Prof. Dr. Joacim Rocklöv, Director of Hei-Planet, and Prof. Philip Landrigan, MD, paediatrician, epidemiologist, and Director of the Global Observatory on Planetary Health at Boston College.