04/11/2018
THE PROBLEMS WITH PLASTICS:
Plastic, according to Oxford advanced learner's dictionary, is " a light strong material that is produced through chemical process and can be formed into shapes when heated. They are used to produce materials of different shapes and sizes, such as plastic bags, food storage containers, cups, cutlery, bottles, shoes to mention but a few. Over the years, plastics have proved to be very useful, especially in food and drink production and packaging. Most times, people often get food processed, packaged shipped and reheated in plastic containers. Most drinks such as water,milk, juice and soft drinks are often packaged in plastic bottles.
Although plastics make eating, storing and distribution of food and drinks much easier, recent studies and discussions have shown that plastics do not only act as pollutants to our environment, they are also very dangerous to human health. This is as a result of their chemical composition.
Generally, most plastics contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a material used in manufacturing them to make them durable. This chemical has adverse effect on human health. Health challenges such as cancer, indigestion, ulcers, skins diseases, liver dysfunction, birth defects of male and female ge****ls, obesity, neurological problems like attention deficit, vision failure etc., are some of the dangers of addictive use of plastics.
Apparently, it's almost impossible to completely do without plastic products, but we can reduce their purchase and use. Hence to reduce exposure to plastics, these suggestions will be helpful. Use glass or stainless water bottle instead of disposable water bottle, reusable grocery bags instead of plastic bags, use glass or stainless steel for food storage in place of plastic storage containers. Moreover, don't use plastics in microwave and avoid putting hot food or drinks into them. Remember, it's better and less expensive to prevent diseases than to cure them.
