While plastic is used practically in every
household and industry, the production and disposal of plastic poses a great
threat to the environment. Unfortunately, the materials used to make plastic
take decades to degrade. In addition, the manufacturing process causes the
emission of several toxic chemicals, such as ethylene oxide, benzene and xylene,
which can cause several diseases and disorders among humans besides contributing
to air pollution.Invariably, when plastic outlives its use, it is either
burned or thrown away. These methods of disposing plastic tend to result in air,
water and soil pollution. When plastic is burned, it tends to release toxic
chemicals into the atmosphere; and when it is cast away, it makes its way into
water bodies and soil resulting contamination of both water and soil, which
increases the rate of mortality among animals and birds.Even when
plastic is recycled, it can pose a threat to workers in the recycling plant. The
workers are at a higher risk of developing respiratory disorders and skin
problems. However, most plastic recycling plants ensure that workers are
provided with adequate protective gear.Some of the harmful effects of
plastic pollution are highlighted below.Generally, use of plastic is
more prevalent in rural areas and hence, plastic pollution has longer lasting
effects in these areas. This is primarily because rural areas do not have proper
systems in place to dispose plastic. This high use of plastic, unfortunately,
leads to death of animals, who unknowingly consume the poorly disposed plastic
bags and bottles. Also, during rains, the plastic fallen on roads gets washed
into nearby water reservoirs and storm drains. The plastic that find its way
into drains tends to block the drains and this provides a breeding ground for
mosquitoes. Whereas, plastic that in water reservoirs tends to slowly
contaminate the water, which is supplied to homes and farms for drinking and
irrigation.As plastic decomposes slowly, it tends to release toxic
chemical compounds like bisphenol A, styrene trimer and a by-product of
plystyrene. Bisphenol A is known to wreak havoc with the reproductive system of
animals. Once plastic finds its way into water, the slow degradation poses a
great risk to marine life and aquatic birds. At times, marine animals get
entangled in the dumped plastic and slowly die. When smaller pieces of plastic
are consumed by marine life and other animals, they can choke and suffocate on
it.Today, realizing the harmful effects of plastic pollution,
governments are taking measures to ban plastic bags. Also, measures are being
taken to recycle plastic to prevent dumping and poor disposal. Many recycled
plastic items that are currently available in the market biodegradable. Also,
there is a ban in several places on burning plastic as the noxious
fumes.About Author: Kum Martin is an online leading expert in global
warming and environment. He also offers top quality articles like:Herbicide Pollution Effects, Oil Spills CleaningArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kum_Martinhttp://EzineArticles.com/?Effects-of-Plastic-Pollution&id=6279919
I'm reading: Effects of Plastic
PollutionTweet this! Posted by
Dr Robert Muller at 11:10
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Labels:
Pollution
1 comment:
Manhattan Air
SpecialistsJuly 8, 2011 11:20 AM
I think there has to be a stop in using
plastics and that can successfully happen when we refuse to take plastic
packaging some day.The manufacturers have to realize about the heavy impact on
the earth.ReplyDelete
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