The Harmful Effects Of Plastic Toxins On The Ocean And Environment

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We are using enormous amount of plastic daily. In fact, we feel that plastic is surrounding us. It becomes indispensable for us (Madren 1). Because it is durable and indestructible and has a low density, it starts to accumulate in huge amounts in our oceans, and moves for hundreds of miles away from the original site of pollution and concentrates in five known ocean gyres (Sun). The situation is really very serious now, because thousands of tons of plastics are polluting our oceans and environment, endangering the whole marine life and ecosystems as well as our own heath Plastics exert its harmful and toxic effect on the marine wildlife as a result of ingesting the plastics, also from leaching of plastic toxins, and from getting entangled in …show more content…
These are dangerous polymer resins either liberated from the degradation of plastics present in our oceans or are toxic chemicals and substances that the floating plastic debris has gathered and carried from outside sources already present in the sea water. In fact most of these toxins are carcinogenic. The molecules of these toxins, although in small amounts makes it into our body slowly over time, and after years of consumptions their amount become dangerously high, for example a common type of plastic called polystyrene, which we use to make disposable forks and knifes. Polystyrene is carcinogenic. Another example is Bisphenol-A or (BPA) which we use as plastic hardener, Bisphenol is a very dangerous toxic chemical especially to the human reproductive system. (Barry 1). In the American documentary film of Midway Island, the film maker took the risk and tested the presence of Bisphenol - A on herself, to her surprise the result was positive (Sun). The harmful effect of these plastic toxins is well documented and raise the alarm for the need of an immediate action (“The Problem with Marine Debris” …show more content…
These effects are brought about as a result of ingesting plastics, liberation of plastics toxins, from getting entangled in plastic debris and through the food chain. Actions to reduce plastics in our oceans are very necessary. As a result of eating plastics, these beautiful marine creatures sadly harm or expose themselves to death. Their digestive system may be blocked, or destroyed at any level. The induced false sensation of satiety expose them to hunger and death. Entanglement of sea animals is another devastating effect of plastics that can restrict the mobility of the marine animals to a great extent, causing their injury and death. Toxins, toxic substances and chemicals leaked, or carried by plastics in our oceans intoxicate the marine life and human health through the food chain.These toxins are potentially carcinogenic and can lead to specific health problems in human like the effect on the reproductive system. Actions on national and international levels are urgently required, and legislation of a law banning the unnecessary use of plastics and single- used plastics is a necessity and should be enforced

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