Effects of Plastic Pollution

Plastic is a commodity that is consumed on a large-scale all around the world. The production as well as disposal of plastic, pose a great threat to all the life forms on earth. This material takes years to discompose, which is one of the factors that kill many animals in water as well as on land. During the manufacture of plastic, many hazardous chemicals are emitted which has resulted into dreadful disorders and diseases in humans. Ethylene oxide, xylene and benzene are some of the chemical toxins present in plastic that has miserable effects on the environment.

This substance is not easy to dispose, as it causes permanent harm to living beings. However, unaware of the drastic problems caused due to plastic, this substance is recycled and put up in the market for the people to consume. Hence, it continues to be dangerous and risks the life on earth. Any form of plastic disposal too, cause harm to the environment in which we dwell. Burning the plastic causes contamination of atmosphere, due to the release of poisonous chemicals. Disposing plastic into water or land causes contamination and even increases the mortality rate of animals. Recycling the substance requires labors, who are at risk of developing skin and respiratory problems, due to inhalation of toxic chemicals. As you read further, the article discloses some of the harmful effects of plastic pollution.

Plastic Pollution: Effects

The rural areas are more prone to any kind of pollution due to poor disposable systems. The people from rural areas often use plastic bags and bottles on a large-scale. Unaware of the harm caused due to plastic, rural people are a contributing factor to plastic pollution. Due to improper disposal systems, many stray animals end up consuming plastic which eventually leads to their death. Also during the rains, the plastic fallen on the road gets washed away into the nearby water reservoirs and even flow into drains. Plastic flowing in the drainage blocks the water providing a shelter for mosquitoes to breed.

As we all know that only 1% of water on earth is drinking water, it is soon getting contaminated due to dumping of plastic wastes. Plastic takes many years to decompose and during the process of decomposition, it releases some toxic chemicals such as Styrene Trimer, Bisphenol A and a by-product of Polystyrene. Bisphenol A is a harmful chemical that damages the reproductive system of animals. Disposal of plastic in oceans affects both marine animals and also the seabirds. As the years pass, plastic releases harmful chemicals and also breaks down into small pieces, tricking the animals for small water species. The animal's body might decompose, but the plastic consumed by it will remain to pose threat to other marine animals. Marine species can also at times get tangled in the plastic layer, formed out of dumping plastic wastes in the water.

Also wind carry and deposit the plastic from one place to other, littering the land. It also gets stuck on fences, trees and water bodies. Any animal that comes in the vicinity of plastic, might even get tangled and suffocate to death.

Solution

Though commodities made of plastic come handy, it is time to be aware of the harm it causes to the life on earth. Plastic is one of the key ingredients that causes contamination of environment. Its disposal and production has increased the mortality rate of living beings. Man introduced plastic and used it in many forms. However, it has caused enough damage to the nature. It has killed many animals and introduced many health ailments in humans too. Before the picture turns even more ugly, it is better to take some effective preventive measures to reduce plastic pollution.

Adapting to a positive change, might not be always easy, but its effects are always good and safe. To bring a decline in the usage of plastic, shift to using paper or cloth bags for grocery shopping and avoid bringing plastic bags at home. If people take the initiative to use their own bags, the shopkeeper too will turn to purchasing paper bags. Learn some plastic pollution facts and make yourself aware of the consequences of dumping plastic in water and land. Use the garbage bins to keep the environment free from plastic. It will save the animals and reduce the chances of litter. There is no way to get rid of plastic. Once produced, it stays for many years. So if you think, burning can help you get rid of plastic, think again! The chemicals emitted through burning will contaminate the atmosphere and cause respiratory problems in humans.

The disposed plastic can be recycled and used in many different ways such as tote bag, wallets or a pouch. There are biodegradable plastic bags available which can reduces the problem of plastic pollution.

These changes might be gradual and even seem micro against the huge plastic pollution problem; but taking such small steps can contribute to reduction of plastic pollution. As this article has displayed the effects of plastic pollution, it is time to take some preventive steps to stop it and make living better for the future generations.