The world is facing grave peril due to plastic pollution. Children and elder populations of our society are the most vulnerable groups who are getting adversely affected directly as well as indirectly by plastic and its chemical additives. Right now, when we look around us, we see plastic everywhere in myriad forms. To name a few, medical equipment, packaging materials, food containers, water and beverage bottles, stationary items, phone covers and accessories, decorative items, the list is endless. Despite its ease of use and ubiquity, the effects of plastic pollution on human health remain mostly unknown to the majority of people. Importantly, our children who are the future of human kind have never thought about the negative effects of the plastic pollution on our health.
(picture courtesy: negative effects of plastic on human health – Bing images)
It is shocking to know that we are unable to restrict our use of plastics even though we are aware of its shortcomings. Our society has become completely dependent on plastic. However, it is high time we wake up and educate our kids and young ones to break-free from the vicious cycle of plastic usage. Let us discuss and inspire our kids to resist plastic usage. Following points indicate the 5 major ways in which plastic enters our body and leads to a negative effect on human health:
1. We are consuming plastic through contaminated seafood
Recent research states that 114 marine species among which one-third of the species are edible by humans are contaminated by microplastics. The Phthalates chemicals added to plastic to increase its performance are hazardous endocrine disruptors that affect normal hormone function. Some retardants interfere with brain development in children.
2. We are absorbing and ingesting plastic via packaging materials
Presently, Bisphenol A is a common constituent of many plastic objects that come in direct contact with food, including plastic packaging materials, kitchenware, and the inner coatings of beverage bottles. This BPA gets bioaccumulated in our bodies and disrupts our endocrine system that regulates body functions such as metabolism, digestion, heart rate and fertility.
3. We are drinking microplastics via bottled water
A shocking research publication by the World Health Organisation (WHO) exposed the presence of microplastics in 90% of bottled water that was examined. These microplastics are highly injurious to our health as they are carcinogenic and tumorigenic in nature.
4. We are absorbing plastic through our clothes and accessories
The Global Apparel Fibre Consumption published research which highlights that – out of 100,000 kg of fibers consumed worldwide in one year – 70% are synthetic fibres. Our sensitive skin is always in contact with these micro-particles which are irritants and allergic substances. Additionally, these fibres contaminate the air we breathe and water we drink.
5. We are breathing plastic from our atmosphere
Research suggests that plastic waste management that involves incinerators and combustion releases dioxin which is one of the most toxic chemicals known to mankind. Existence of these toxic pollutants in huge amounts in the air irreparably chokes and corrodes our respiratory system.
What is our role to demonstrate and set an example for our kids to fight against the plastic monster that is looming threat to our planet?
(picture courtesy: how to curb plastic pollution – Bing images)
• It is a very hard task to retrieve discarded plastic and micro-particles from the atmosphere, agricultural fields, fresh water sources, and oceans.
• New technologies allow us to retrieve larger marine debris. However small plastic items and microplastics are virtually impossible to reach, especially when they are deep in the ocean.
• Therefore, many scientists and conservationists have declared that the best solution is to prevent plastic waste from entering our environment. In the first place we must take care that we do not litter and throw away plastic waste in an irresponsible manner.
• We must establish and accomplish an improved waste management system along with the implementation of reuse and recycling of plastic items.
• In addition, it is essential to reconsider the design and usage of disposable packaging, and the reduction in manufacturing of unnecessary single-use plastics.