Impact of Plastics on the Environment Cause and Effect

Many people are exposed to dangers associated with plastic production every day. Wastes resulting from find their way into water bodies where they act as transport means for microorganisms which end up in marine habitats such as to organisms living in water.

When plastic degrades, it which causes pollution to aquatic animals. In addition, this of human consumer goods especially food products posing a great threat to human health. Aquatic animals that feed on fish may mistake plastics for jellyfish and consume them and this may lead to death of such animals.

In other cases, plastics that have been disposed in landfills may cause leaching of chemicals which end up in water bodies causing contamination (Uciha, 2010, p. 1). Improper disposal of plastics may have physical impacts on birds where they entangle them to death. The entangled birds may as well be deposited in the plastics during which they may chock the fish.

Mercury is one of the most important life threatening chemicals to humans. Mercury exists in many products especially scientific ones. When released through degradation, it is referred to as methylmercury and finds its way into water bodies from where it is ingested by man (Uciha, 2010, p. 1).

It has adverse effects such as reducing the capability of the human immune system and affecting the normal functioning of human enzymes, genes and the nervous system. Animals that feed on fish are also affected in a similar manner. However, mercury resulting from broken thermometers is not as much toxic although it may cause gingivitis to those who inhale it.