Plastic Causes Pollution
Plastic remains are all over the place, from oceans to oceans; it won’t stop spreading. It clogs our drainage systems, litters our streets, disrupts the natural flow of nature, and much more. As we all know, plastic waste takes many years to decompose. If not disposed of properly, it may affect our environment and may also cause us harm.
It has been known to us for years that humans have got rid of plastic wastes into our oceans. The chemicals of the plastic could taint the ecosystem of marine life such as fishes, shellfishes, and mollusks. People who consume seafood may well be affected by the affected marine animal.
Plastic Affects Human Health
Toxic materials and chemicals are used in the production of plastic materials. These chemicals can be hazardous and harmful to the human body. Chemicals like lead, cadmium, and mercury are used in producing these plastic materials. Direct contact with these chemicals can cause diseases like cancer, congenital disabilities, immune system illnesses, and even childhood development problems.
Plastic Poisons our Food Chain
Plastic has entered and poisoned our food chain. Due to the throwing of plastic wastes into our oceans and other places where there are animal habitats. Animals that we consume regularly like fowls, cows, pigs, and sheep all carry microplastics inside their body. This is due to the popularity of using plastic products and materials. When they are themselves eaten by humans, we also ingest these microplastics. This process is called the “trophic transfer” of microplastics. Since one animal eats another, microplastics move within the food chain as well.
Plastic Threatens Wildlife
Plastic waste causes serious negative impacts not just on human health but also on animals. Many animals get themselves into trouble by getting stuck or they get tangled up with plastic.
Animals can also mistakenly consume plastic as their source of food, which can lead to their digestive system being blocked. It may cause starvation, choking, contamination, and even death.
Plastic Contributes to Global Warming and Climate Change
It is no news that plastic production contributes to global warming. A recent study has shown that plastic wastes contribute to climate change as well. It is mostly because plastic wastes emit greenhouse gases like methane and ethylene, which are released from plastic waste under direct sunlight.
All types of plastic emit gases as has been shown by previous test studies. The quantities may be low, but because there is a constant increase in the production of plastic, both the size and speed of the greenhouse gas emission will also increase.