Single-use Plastic Ban and its Public Health Impacts: A Narrative Review

Introduction: Plastic initially played a major role in conserving natural source from extension but later plastic pollution become a growing concern for nearly a decade, especially single use plastics. Various effects were taken to tackle the situation in different part of the world, among those were imposing ban, levy and policies. Very few studies have analyzed the policy and legislative that deal with plastic pollution generated by single-use plastics (SUP). This paper reviews various policies and strategies to reduce SUP and its public health impact. Materials and methods: To address the issues associated with SUP pollution, a literature review was done to assess current ban and policies. Search engine such as PubMed and Google Scholar were used. Apart from these search engine certain standardized web portal like WHO, UN reports and press and reports were included in the studies to know about the current policies, ban and legislations were included in the study. Results: effectiveness of various bans and levies were analyzed, various strategies which made it effective were found and impact of these ban and levies on public health were also identified of which high levy, tough enforcement and personal behavior has shown impact in reducing SUP whereas lack of continuous vigilance, self regulation by industries and illegally SUP production had led to failure to create impact by various bans and levy Conclusion: Based on this study, it is evident that more tougher enforcement, vigilance, and self-regulation along with motivations of the public may help to curb SUP pollution.