Question

What are the demerits of plastic?

Answer 1

In recent days the plastic secured its position strongly in our daily social life as it is used rapidly in various fields. In present day surroundings, various materials that are made from plastic are very common. It has become part of life day by day. Though it has been used in several ways it has several disadvantages to nature and life.

Complete answer: Plastic is a very common term in our daily life. There are several products that are used that consist of plastic. Plastic is a polymer of carbon with other elements that have a high molecular mass. Plastic holds the characteristics of flexibility but passing through the specific process, it can be transformed into rigid and solid objects.
Generally, plastics are classified into two groups and which are thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic. Thermoplastic is a type of that plastic which is moulded by the repeating process using the heat. Polythene, polystyrene, PVC, etc. are a very common example of this type of plastic. This is used to make carry bags, bottles, pipes, etc. When the plastics are not moulded repeatedly by using heat is called thermoset plastic, and the examples are bakelite. This type of plastics are used to produce utensils, electrical products like switches etc.
Plastic becomes so useful in our life as it provides a number of advantages. Plastic has great durability and longevity and it is light also in weight to carry with a low production cost. It has enough resistance to chemicals, water, and the impact of being a bad conductor of heat and electricity. Due to this reason the use of plastic increases day by day.
On the other hand, as well as the benefits of its uses, it bears several demerit features which are more effective in comparison to its benefits. Its demerits are as follows. After the use, we throw plastic in nature. Due to its long durability, it takes more than 400 years to decompose in nature, at that time it pollutes the soil and affects various microorganisms present in the soil or in the atmosphere.
Generally, thrown plastics block the drainage system which may lead to severe flood and the plastic is responsible for the water pollution as it is thrown in the river and ocean. It is also harmful to the ecosystem of underwater. When the plastic is produced and recycled, burning of plastic liberates a huge amount of carbon dioxide and other toxic gases into the atmosphere , which is the main reason for air pollution. These gases cause various health diseases and respiratory problems.
Plastic is used highly in food packaging. Sometimes food reacts with the plastic elements, due to this reason, uses of plastic as a food container may lead to cancer.
Though plastic has many benefits, its disadvantages are so much effective for human beings as well as the whole nature. A huge number of animals including aquatic animals die every year due to direct or indirectly consumption of plastic which affects their stomach and other systems.

Note: Plastic is polymers of carbon and other toxic gases. Which is used widely in the various sectors as well as our daily life. But it has also many serious disadvantages, like air, water, and soil pollution. It also affects the ecosystem and other biological communities. Various human diseases like respiratory problems, skin problems, etc. are caused by the severe use of plastic.