Metro Plus
Chennai
Hyderabad
Impact of Plastic on Environment
Cannot be recycled, only down-cycled
PLASTICS DO not degrade easily and persist in the environment, slowly releasing toxic chemicals. Municipal solid wastes contain a mix of plastics, which are often burnt at the dumpsites or on roadsides, releasing toxic chemicals, including 'dioxins', when chlorinated compounds are burnt at a certain temperature. Small amount of dioxins can have effects that become obvious only in the later part of human life, like impaired intellectual development, infertility and other reproductive disorders at puberty. Food items packed in recycled plastic covers could cause skin diseases and cancer, plastic toys made of a substance called 'Phthalates' are harmful to children and the chemicals used for manufacturing plastic 'kudams' for storing water, are poisonous. Do remember, "plastics cannot be recycled, they can only be down-cycled."
C. Arvind
T. Nagar
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