Six major hazards of plastic pollution

The widespread use of plastics has brought us convenience, but it has also brought many environmental problems. The following are some of the main hazards caused by plastics:
Land pollution
Plastic waste is difficult to degrade in the soil, and long-term accumulation will affect soil quality and hinder plant growth.
Water pollution
Plastic waste will pollute rivers, lakes and oceans, threatening the survival of aquatic plants and animals.
Air pollution
The burning of plastics will produce toxic fumes, such as dioxins, which will damage air quality.
Damage to biodiversity
Marine organisms may die from accidentally eating plastics or being entangled in plastics, and plastic fragments will penetrate deep into the bottom of the marine food chain. Soil and freshwater ecosystems are also affected by plastic pollution.
Human health risks
Microplastics and the chemicals they carry may accumulate through the food chain, posing a threat to human health, such as endocrine disruption and reproductive system damage. Toxins released by the burning of plastic waste, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals, will also affect human health.
Waste of resources and energy
Plastic manufacturing consumes a large amount of fossil resources such as petroleum, and the short life and disposable use mode of plastic products lead to resource waste. Improper waste disposal, such as open-air burning, wastes resources and increases greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating global warming.
Other hazards
Toxic gases, such as vinyl chloride monomer, may be released during the production of plastic products, which are carcinogenic to the human body.
Plastic waste takes a long time to decompose in nature and occupies land resources.
Incineration of plastic waste may cause fire hazards.
Poor-quality plastics may cause damage to the human body, such as gastrointestinal irritation and respiratory mucosal irritation.
The manufacture and use of plastics consume a large amount of petroleum resources, natural gas resources, water resources, electricity, heat energy and chemical resources. Although plastics have facilitated our lives to some extent, their adverse effects cannot be ignored. We can reduce plastic pollution by using cloth bags, paper bags, reducing the use of disposable tableware, and strengthening the recycling management of plastic products.