Question

Mention five harmful effects of plastics. [5 MARKS]

Answer 1

Effects: 1 Mark each

Though plastic is easy and comfortable to use, it is very harmful in terms of health and environment.

Any five:
1. Polythene bags are one kind of plastics which are non-biodegradable and cause environmental pollution.
2. Plastics undergo a process known as photodegradation, in which they break down into smaller and smaller toxic particles. These particles contaminate soil and water and enter the food chain when eaten accidentally by animals like cows.
3. Plastic materials discarded into aquatic resources cause death of huge number of aquatic organisms.
4. Plastics in the form of polythene bags are also responsible for the clogging of drainage systems in cities and towns.
5. Plastics take several years to decompose.
6. Plastics are not suitable for storing cooked food as they emit harmful chemicals when they are exposed to high temperatures. Using plastics causes health problems.
7. Burning of plastics emits harmful gases which cause cancer in living beings.