Today, everyone uses plastic products. Every day, people are faced with bags, bottles, packages, containers and other garbage that causes irreparable harm to our planet. It’s hard to imagine, but only five percent of the total mass is recycled and suitable for recycling. Over the past decade, the manufacture of plastic products has reached its apogee.
Types of pollution
Plastic manufacturers convince people to use products once, after which they must be disposed of. As a result, the amount of plastic material is increasing every day more and more. As a result, pollution penetrates into water (lakes, reservoirs, rivers, seas), soil and plastic particles spread throughout our planet.
If in the last century the percentage of plastic from municipal solid waste was equal to one, then after a few decades the figure increased to 12%. This problem is global and cannot be ignored. The impossibility of rotting plastic makes it a major factor degrading the environment.
The damaging effects of plastic pollution
The impact of plastic pollution occurs in three ways. It affects land, water and wildlife. Once in the ground, the material releases chemicals, which, in turn, penetrate into groundwater and other sources, after which it becomes dangerous to drink this liquid. In addition, the presence of landfills within cities threatens the development of microorganisms that accelerate the biodegradation of plastics. As plastic decomposes, methane is released, which is a greenhouse gas. This feature provokes the acceleration of global warming.
Once in the ocean, plastic decomposes in about one year. As a result of this period, hazardous substances are released into the water polystyrene and bisphenol A. These are the main pollutants of sea waters, which are becoming more and more every year.
No less detrimental to plastic pollution for animals. Very often, marine specimens become entangled in plastic products and die. Other invertebrates can swallow plastic, which also negatively affects their life. Many large marine mammals die from plastic products or get severely torn and ulcerated.
Impact on humanity
Manufacturers of plastic products every year improve their products by changing the composition, namely: adding new chemicals. On the one hand, this significantly improves product quality, on the other hand, it has a negative impact on human health. Dermatologists have found that even contact with certain substances can cause allergic reactions and various dermatological diseases in humans.
Unfortunately, many consumers pay attention only to the aesthetic appearance of plastic, not realizing what negative effect it causes to the environment.
