Uses and Bad Effects of Plastic
Plastic is a polymer of chemical substance named polyethylene. In our modern world we can hardly do anything without plastic. Someone humorously remarked that like the Iron Age or the Bronze Age of prehistory, our age can be called the Plastic Age. Plastic has a widespread use. It is used for packaging all sorts of items on sale. Films, wire, cables are all made from plastic. It is also used to make electronic parts. Toys for children, different kinds of furniture, utensils, show-pieces, and containers are made of plastic. It has considerably replaced other materials in this field. The medical instruments, parts of the cars are made from plastic. Even carry bags are mostly made from plastic, substituting the traditional jute or cotton fabric and paper.
But plastic is also harmful to the living world because plastic is a poisonous substance. Foods and drinks kept in plastic containers react with them and make the food toxic or poisonous. Plastic is non-biodegradable substance. It does not assimilate with soil and reduces the soil fertility. Plastic wastes from industries are drained into the seas and rivers and pollute water. The gas from burnt plastic causes asthma, cancer and skin diseases. Plastic carry bags are harmful for children since many have been suffocated to death by putting on plastic carry-bags.