Plastics are a very common material used to make packaging, shopping bags, food containers, utensils, and much more. They are also quite durable and light, making them easy to transport and use.
The problem with plastics is that they can be a huge danger to our health and the environment. They contain a large variety of toxic chemicals, and they leach into the water, land, and air.
Most of the plastic we buy and throw away ends up in landfills, lakes, parks, and oceans, resulting in pollution and degraded habitats for wildlife. This means that animals can die from ingesting or getting tangled in litter, and that people who eat seafood or marine life may also be harmed.
There are many different types of plastic, and each type is made from a specific chemical resin. The six standard types of plastics are polyethylene, polypropylene, tetra-ethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyvinyl chloride, and nylon.
Some of these plastics have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancers, endocrine disruption, and reproductive problems. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a well known and toxic chemical in plastics that can cause hormone disruption and other health effects in both humans and nonhuman animals.
Another concern with plastics is that they can absorb pesticides and other toxins from the environment into their structure. This is known as adsorption. This can be very dangerous, as it can be absorbed into the body and into our lungs.
Various types of plastics can also leach a wide range of other chemicals into the water and air, including heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury. These are very poisonous to our bodies and can lead to a number of health issues, including birth defects, thyroid and endocrine system problems, immune deficiencies, reproductive damage, and other serious health conditions.
One way to avoid these chemicals is to choose biodegradable plastics. This means that these plastics will break down in the soil or water over time, reducing their exposure to herbicides and pesticides.
There are also several kinds of plastic that are made from recycled materials. These are usually made from old bottles, cans, tins, and other items that have been broken down. These can be found in grocery stores, and they are used to make shopping bags, cups, trays, and food storage liners.
Microplastics
There are hundreds of different microplastics that are a threat to the environment and our health. These are tiny particles of plastic that can get into our bodies or contaminate the food we eat, especially when they are inhaled, ingested, or sucked into our mouths.
These particles can be absorbed into our intestines and other organs, causing cancers, liver problems, and other illnesses. They can even affect the immune system and lead to chronic inflammation in our bodies.
Ultimately, the best solution is to stop using plastics altogether. But until then, we have to find other ways to reduce our overall exposure to these chemicals.
The best thing we can do is to learn more about the dangers of plastics, and take the necessary steps to protect our health and our planet from these toxic chemicals.