The harm of non-degradable disposable plastic products to us
Non-degradable plastics have a stable structure and are not easily degraded by natural microorganisms. They do not separate for a long time in the natural environment. Some plastics can still not rot after 1,000 years. The harm of non-degradable plastics to the environment is very immediate and potential. With the increase in quantity, there is a devastating damage to the ecological environment and a great threat to human health.
The harm of disposable plastics to the human body:
In recent years, research teams from various countries have successively detected microplastic components in human blood, placenta, breast milk and other places. Plastics have completely surrounded humans!
For example, phthalates, which are widely used in plastic products, may interfere with the endocrine system and are related to abnormalities in the reproductive system, neural development and immune function. Bisphenol A, which is used to produce plastic products (such as plastic bottles, food can linings) and resins, may also cause reproductive problems, cardiovascular disease, obesity and chronic diseases.
PET, which has the highest content in the human body, is considered a relatively safe plastic material. Its use in food and beverage packaging is strictly regulated and tested to ensure that it does not have a negative impact on the safety and hygiene of food. However, when PET is exposed to high temperatures or long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays, it may also release trace amounts of chemicals. Although the scientific community believes that the risk of this chemical is low, it may still pose a health risk in the case of long-term exposure and high concentrations.
For example, some common plastic tableware contains polystyrene, which releases carcinogens at a high temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. If people use it for a long time and ingest excessive amounts of benzene, a carcinogen, their bodies may be damaged. In addition, cheap plastic tableware contains industrial calcium carbonate, which contains heavy metal lead that is harmful to the human body.
Excessive lead intake affects the central nervous system of the brain, and at the same time, the kidneys are also damaged. For children, lead is a killer lurking in plastic tableware. Excessive intake can affect children's intellectual development, physical development and verbal expression ability in severe cases. For the health of children, it is recommended to use plastic tableware as little as possible.
The harm of disposable plastic products to the environment:
The life cycle of plastic products is abnormally long, and it often takes decades or even hundreds of years to decompose naturally. As a result, a large amount of plastic waste accumulates in the land and oceans, forming a serious pollution problem.
According to a study by Nature magazine, it is estimated that about 1 million seabirds die each year from ingesting plastic waste. About 10,000 sea turtles die each year from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic waste. In addition, creatures such as seals and dolphins are often found to have died from plastic waste, including suffocation from entanglement in various fishing nets and fishing lines, and internal damage caused by ingestion of plastic.
With human exploration, we have detected the presence of microplastics in places such as the highest point, the top of Mount Everest, and the lowest point, the Mariana Trench. The most secret corners of the world have been "fallen", and plastic pollution has spread all over the world.
The impact of disposable plastics on agriculture and food security:
In agricultural activities, plastics are infiltrating agricultural soils around the world at an alarming rate. Plastics are widely used in agriculture, such as plastic coatings for seeds, plastic protective films for regulating soil temperature and preventing weed growth, etc. People also deliberately add plastics to biosolid fertilizers and spray them on fields, and use plastic irrigation pipes, irrigation water bags or irrigation bottles.
Over time, large pieces of plastic will break down into fragments less than 5 mm long (plastic fragments less than 5 mm are called microplastics) and seep into the soil.
What should we do to reduce harm?
1) Reduce the use of plastic products. Try to reduce the use of disposable plastic products, such as plastic bags, cutlery and straws. You can choose to use reusable daily necessities, such as shopping bags, kettles and cutlery.
2) Garbage sorting and recycling. Garbage sorting and recycling are effective ways to reduce the generation of plastic waste. Sort household waste, recycle recyclables, reduce the generation of plastic waste, and recycle plastic waste.
3) Promote green energy and sustainable development. With the continuous promotion of the concept of sustainable development, green energy has gradually become people's first choice. The use of green energy or renewable energy can reduce dependence on non-renewable resources and reduce the use of plastic in related production and consumption links.
