Impact of Microplastics in the Environment on Human Health and Its Policy Analysis: A Case Study on China

Abstract

Microplastics, as a new type of pollutant, have received extensive attention from scholars in recent years. This paper explores the impact of microplastics on human health from the interdisciplinary perspective of health economics and public policy in China. The paper finds that plastic wastes are influencing factors of the increasing demand for respiratory medicines, probably owing to the release of airborne microplastics. Additionally, this paper focuses on the development of microplastics policy in China and other countries, drawing on the experience of microplastics pollution control worldwide. The paper puts forward recommendations in the following four aspects: 1.Introduce targeted policies and increase monitoring of microplastics. 2.Clarify the responsibilities of each department and promote cross-sectoral collaboration. 3.Strengthen international exchanges and establish multi-platform cooperation. 4.Enhance the dissemination of knowledge about microplastics and raise citizens’ environmental awareness in China.