Plastic burning for cooking and heating poses global health crisis, study warns

A new study published in Nature Cities has raised alarm over the rising trend of burning plastic for cooking and heating in developing nations. The research, led by Curtin University, reveals that millions of urban poor in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are resorting to plastic as a fuel source due to limited access to clean energy like gas and electricity.

The study found that urban expansion has made traditional fuels such as wood and charcoal scarce, while inadequate waste management has left plastic waste abundant and easily accessible. This has created a dangerous cycle where households burn plastic to survive, unaware of its severe health and environmental consequences.

Toxic Threat to Health and the Environment

Lead researcher Dr. Bishal Bharadwaj from the Curtin Institute for Energy Transition (CIET) warned that burning plastic releases highly toxic chemicals, including dioxins, furans, and heavy metals.

"These pollutants cause severe respiratory diseases, especially among women and children who spend more time at home. The toxins don’t just stay in individual households but spread through neighborhoods and entire cities, affecting millions," Dr. Bharadwaj explained.

Research findings indicate that 13% of Nigerian households use garbage, including plastic, as a cooking fuel. Meanwhile, soil and food samples in Indonesia have shown dangerously high toxin levels linked to plastic burning.

An Escalating Global Crisis

The report forecasts that by 2050, two-thirds of the world's population will reside in urban areas, further straining waste management systems. With global plastic consumption expected to triple by 2060, unchecked urbanization and growing inequality may significantly worsen the crisis.

"Many governments are not effectively addressing the issue because plastic burning is concentrated in neglected urban slums," CIET Director Professor Peta Ashworth stated.

Potential Solutions

Experts suggest that bans alone will not solve the crisis unless affordable energy alternatives are available. The study recommends:
✔ Subsidizing clean fuels like LPG or electricity to make them accessible for low-income families.
✔ Improving waste management to prevent plastic buildup in impoverished areas.
✔ Launching education campaigns to inform communities about the health hazards of plastic burning.
✔ Developing innovative, low-cost cooking solutions tailored for urban slums.

Governments, NGOs, and international organizations must collaborate to tackle this growing environmental and health emergency before it spirals further out of control.