Plastic is hardly degradable and become a major pollutant: 55% ends up either in landfill or in nature.

The publication raise awareness of the effect of macro-plastic on the proliferation and propagation of infectious diseases on human and livestock health. Plastic debris, holding water, encourage arthropod-borne disease by providing habitat for some vectors (such as mosquitoes) and shelter to various and medically important species.

Similarly, acting as a stagnant water reservoir, it promotes the development of pathogenic bacterias (such as leptopirosis) and harmful algae.

The paper concluded on the important roles of plastic waste on vector- and water- borne diseases locally and the need of transdisciplinary research approach to solve this ever-growing problem especially in developing countries such as Cambodia.  

The publication on The Lancet Planetary Health website.