article on harmful effects of plastic bags
Answers
I am quite keen to highlight, the ill-effects of using plastic bags. Plastic bags are non-biodegradable, and are extremely hazardous to the environment. They are a major constituent of the filth and garbage in our society. Every year many animals die after swallowing these plastic bags.
Furthermore, plastic bags block drains and release toxic fumes when burned. The government did impose a ban on the use of plastic bags but it was short-lived. This however should not dissuade the government from taking another step. Jute bags are slowly becoming the vogue.
The government can show an advertisement on television wherein someone is shown using a jute bag in place of plastic bags. The same can be shown on hoardings as well. I feel that i have raised a very serious issue and will be grateful if it reaches.
MAHA SALEEM,
Karachi, February 19.
Answer:
Adverse effects of plastic
Plastics are things or objects made of organic polymers or synthetic compounds.
Plastic products are not bio-degradable and can remain unchanged for many years. This adversely affects the fertility and the quality of the soil.
Plastics products including plastic bags are a health hazard. Exposure to toxic chemicals emitted by plastics causes cancer, decreases the effectiveness of the immune system, and are responsible for many other diseases.
Dumping of plastic bags, plastic bottles, etc. has created an unhygienic condition to our environment. Plastic litters has become a major pollution to our surrounding.
Our freshwater sources like rivers and lakes are becoming dumpsters for plastic bags. This results in scarcity of drinking water.
Plastic products, especially plastic bags find their way into rivers and oceans. They are swallowed by fish, seabirds, and other marine creatures leading to death by suffocation.
Since plastic bags, plastic bottles and other discarded plastic products do not decompose naturally. They accumulate in drainage and sewerage systems and block the flow of water causing waterlogging.
Plastic products including plastic bags are often disposed off by burning and this releases poisonous gases into the atmosphere. This pollutes the air we breathe and increases global warming.