What are some of the effects of plastic pollution?

What are some of the effects of plastic pollution?

Many of the chemicals in these particles negatively affect human health and can cause cancer, anemia, and neurodegenerative disorders. Causes of Plastic Pollution Plastic pollution is caused by inadequate waste disposal.

How are plastic particles harmful to human health?

Scientists estimate that the average American eats 39,000 to 52,000 plastic particles in their food each year, only one way they are ingested. 5  Many of the chemicals in these particles negatively affect human health and can cause cancer, anemia, and neurodegenerative disorders. Causes of Plastic Pollution

What are microplastics and how do they affect the environment?

Microplastics(tiny plastic particles) breakdown and embed themselves in our food chain as they are ingested by marine life-threatening larger ecosystems and consequently, human health.

How are plastics harmful to the marine environment?

Recent research proposed that plastics in the oceans become covered with marine algae that release a natural sulfur compound, dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), when they die or become damaged. This chemical is detected by hungry seabirds and other marine creatures, which are attracted to it and then they mistake plastics for lunch ( ref ).

What is plastic pollution and its effect on the environment?

Plastic pollution can be defined as the accumulation of plastic particles and objects in the environment. The amount of plastic we produce in our nowadays society and also the level of pollution from plastic items is shocking. Plastic pollution has significant adverse effects on humans, animals, plants as well as on the whole environmental system.

Why are plastic bags so bad for the environment?

Problems caused by plastic bags. If plastic bags are not disposed of properly, they make their way to the drainage system, which in turn leads to the blockage of the drains and makes the environment unhealthy. This also leads to aquatic illnesses.

What is the negative impact of plastic?

Positive and negative effects of plastic Positive impact of plastic. There are several advantages with plastic which can’t be compared with others. Negative impact of Plastic. The modern lifestyle is focused on people who are always on the move. Pollution from Plastics affects the Natural Food Chain. Mitigation Measures. Verdict.

How has plastic waste harmed the environment?

When plastic in the landfills comes in contact with water and thereby form harmful chemicals. When these hazardous chemicals leak underground, they reduce water quality. Also, the wind carries plastic from one place and leaves them in another, increasing the land waste. This, in turn, leads to land pollution .