Plastic pollution is a serious environmental and health concern, not just a problem or an issue. Plastics emit toxic chemicals during production and disposal, disrupt ecosystems, and decompose into microplastics that persist in the environment for hundreds to thousands of years. Two-thirds of the 430 million plastic tons generated annually end up as waste after only one usage, which is a startling statistic (UN, 2023). Due to this relentless cycle of creation and disposal, the effects of plastic on the environment are so high that they should be addressed immediately. Here, you will learn the reasons why plastic is so toxic for the environment.
Introduction to Plastic Pollution
To make Earth a better living space, everyone should avoid plastic pollution at all costs. The accumulation of synthetic plastic products in the environment is referred to as plastic pollution. Besides harming human populations, the effects of plastic on environment go further to wildlife and its ecosystems. There is evidence of plastic pollution from the summit of Everest to the ocean floor.
Toxic Chemicals from Production to Disposal
Fossil fuels and thousands of chemical additives, more than 13,000 distinct compounds, more than 4,000 of which are known to be harmful to human health, are used to make plastic. These include heavy metals, phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), flame retardants, PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals”), and more.
Numerous of these induce immune system damage, impair development, cause cancer, disrupt hormones, and damage the nervous system and reproductive system. The effects of plastic on environment are so toxic because it releases these chemicals into the air, water, and soil during recycling or landfill disposal. This will endanger ecosystems and communities, particularly those located near landfills or industrial areas.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics
Plastics break down into tiny particles, known as microplastics (less than 5 mm) and nanoplastics (less than 1 μm), which are impossible to remove. These particles now pollute the blood of people, organs, breast milk, placenta tissues, rivers, oceans, and soil. Due to their ability to absorb and carry harmful substances, plastics introduce a chemical cocktail into the bodies of humans and animals as well as along food chains.
Ecosystem Damage and Biodiversity Loss
From ingestion to entanglement, plastic waste affects more than 900 marine species. From plankton to whales, microplastics harm wildlife by disrupting food chains and altering population balances.
Plastic litter on land alters the microbes and soil textures, which reduces fertility and compromises food safety. Uneven plastic degradation releases dangerous chemicals into marshes, fields, and forests. This will impact biodiversity beyond coastlines.
Climate Impact of Plastic Production
Plastic harms the environment even before it’s turned into waste, so it’s not just bad after usage. Approximately 90% of plastics are derived from fossil fuels, such as gas and oil. The extraction and refinement of these fuels result in significant emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane. According to UNEP (2023), if current trends continue, the plastics industry is predicted to account for 15% of world carbon emissions by 2050.
Thus, plastic pollution is also a problem related to climate change. From extracting fossil fuels to manufacturing plastic pellets, every stage of the plastic life cycle contributes to global warming. As a result, storms, droughts, and sea level rise will be intensified.
Health Hazards for Humans
The health of people is also directly impacted by plastic pollution. Plastic compounds are present in people’s food, water, air, and even on their hands. It has been discovered that human placentas, bloodstreams, and lungs contain microplastics. These particles can alter hormones, induce inflammation, and affect brain activity.
Communities near production or waste disposal sites, as well as workers in plastic factories, are at the greatest risk. Burning plastic improperly releases dioxins and furans, which are very toxic and have been connected to immune system damage, cancer, and birth problems.
Hazardous plastic chemicals can enter the food you eat daily, even from bottled water, tea bags, and food containers.
Plastic Waste Overloads Developing Countries
Without adequate disposal mechanisms, the majority of high-income countries export plastic garbage to low- and middle-income countries. The overflowing landfills, open burning, and river dumping in these nations worsen environmental and health issues.
Western plastic pollution disproportionately affects Asian and African communities. This is why these countries have become a dumping ground for the globe. For extremely cheap pay, children and unorganised labourers frequently gather plastic in hazardous, unhygienic conditions, endangering their lives.
Poor Recycling and Circular Economy Challenges
Reusing plastic seems like a good idea, yet only around 9% of all plastic manufactured has been recycled. Mixed ingredients or contaminants make many polymers non-recyclable. Since recycled plastic is often of lower quality, it eventually ends up in incinerators or landfills.
A circular economy based on plastic is still some way off. Given the rate and volume of plastic manufacture, the majority of recycling systems are unable to keep up. Instead of merely managing waste, real solutions involve cutting plastic at its source.
Impact on Water Bodies and Marine Life
Plastic from a garbage truck enters the water every minute. Plastic suffocates marine life, obstructs sunlight in water, and disrupts the growth of algae and the nitrogen balance. Crucial underwater habitats, such as coral reefs, are particularly at risk. Debris of plastic has the potential to suffocate reef life or spread illnesses.
Plastic that floats can impact coasts and wildlife thousands of kilometres away from its initial source. These days, plastic is found in the stomachs of deep-sea creatures. These contaminants are not only hazardous to seafood consumers but also detrimental to marine life. Everyone must ensure that aquatic life is safe and the water bodies remain healthy.
The Final Words
The most effective way to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic is to reduce its use. Even if it has to be used, it should be better recycled rather than kept as trash on the ground. Banyan Nation is using its circular strategy to revolutionise plastic recycling in India. Working with international brands and unofficial waste collectors ensures inclusive and environmentally friendly recycling so that the effects of plastic on environment will be reduced.
