fertilizer.

2.4(ii) Impact of Plastic on Human and Animal Heaith

What is Plastic?

Plastic is aloose term used to describe materials that are formed and
mouldedusing polymers under heat and pressure.!
20 and 21 "centuries have been dubbed as Age of Plastic" The
world's first ever man-made plastic was introduced in 1862 by Alexander
Parkes at the London International Exhibition. It was marketed as an
alternative to ivory and horn. It was called as "Parkesine" and Parkes
discovered this material while trying to develop a synthetic substitute for
shellac for waterproofing.
In 1907 Leo Baekeland invented the first fully synthetic plasticcalled
"Bakelite". In the last six decades, plastic has become an indispensable and
versatile product due to its wide range of properties product due to its wide
range ofproperties, chemicalcomposition andapplications. This is due te
its property of "Plasticity" where you can mold or shape plastic polymer
into:

1. Polymer: Polymers are the chemical class of materials

repeating smaller molecules known consisting of chan
as monomers.
2. Shellac: Shellac is a resin secreted by the
of India and Thailand. It is female Lac bug on the trees in the
used as natural electrical
insulator.
54
 ENVIRONMENTALI POLLUTION AND) ITS MANAGEMENT

a) tough and light weight beverage bottles,

6) flexible garden pipes,
c) heat insulating food containers
shatter proof window glasses etc.
Sfoy of the chemical names of polymers used as plastics are very
wellknown to consumers through their abbreviations /trade names.
2.4(i)(a) Following is:an brief account of various poBymers used as plastic,
its common use and its impact on human heaith:

) Poly vinylchloride (3PVC)

It is commonlyused in
a) Food packaging
b) Plastic wraps
c)
Containers for toiletries
d) Cosmetics
e) Floor tiles
Shower curtains

g) Toys
h) Water pipes & Garden hoses
Auto upholstery
Inflatable swimming pools etc.
Adverse Impact on human health consists of;
i) Chronic bronchitis
ii) Skin diseases
iü) Birtk defects
iv) Deatness
V) Vision failure
vi) Live dysfunction
vi) Gentte changes
Vn) Cancer etc.
4) PhthaBates (DEHP, DNPand other)
PhthaBates in combinationwith softened vinyl products are used to
manufacture
55
 AND ITS
Emulsion paints
Vinylclothing
Foot wears

Printing inks Impa

Toys a)
Surgicalcomponents like gloves,
& other medical devices
breathing tubes, b)

General purpose lab ware etc

Adverse effects of. Phthalates on human
nhal iont c)
d)

health comprises of; 5)

Developmental and reproductive effects
Endocrine disruption
Asthma
Incineration of medical waste with PVC and
adverse effect on health. phthalates
3) Poly carbonates with Bisphenol A
Poly carbonates with Bisphenol A is used to produce tough
breakable water bottles.
Adverse effects of poly carbonates with
Bisphenol A;
Research has found out that exposure to even low
Aleads to doses of bispi
production of;
Cancer
Improper immune function
Obesity
Early onset of
Diabetes etc. puberty
4) Polystyrene

a) PolFoodystyrene is used to produce

Foam cont ainers
b) for meals,
and clear clam fish, cheese, yogurt
c) Rigid plates shell
d)
Clear
containers
bakery containers etc
Ipactof Polystyreneon human health produces;
Irritation to eyes, nose & throat

b)
Dizziness and unconsciousness

c) Polystyrene can migrate into food and store in body fat

Can lead toelevated rates of cancers related to
d) lymphatic system and
blood cancer is people working in polystyrene industry.
5) Poly Ethelyne (PET)
Poly Ethelyne is used in the production of;
a) Water bottles & soda bottles
b) Drinking Glasses
c) Chewing gums
d) Food containers and wrappers
e) Heat sealed plastic packaging materials
) Squeeze bottles
g) Plastic bags
h) Kitchenware etc

Impact of PET on human health;

PET is suspected to be one of the component of human carcinogens
leading to the production of cancer in humans.'
6) Polyester
Polyester is mainly used in the production of;
a) Clothing
b)
Bedding
) Disposable diapers
d) Food packaging materials
e) Upholstery etc
Adverse Impact of Polyester in hunan causes;
Eye and respiratory tract infection and
b Acute skin rashes
1.
Carcinogens are cancer causing substances.
57
 tearnakdehvde

maldehvdetinds its use in production of

U'n
a) Partilehaand
bvard
) Pwd
materials
) Builting insulation
etc
d Fabri tinishes
urea formaldekyde on human health is asfollos.
Impect ef
carcinogen.'ItIt causes
) Formaldehvde is asuspected cancerin bena
3 thas shown to cause birth defects and genetic changes.
3) Inhaling formaldehyde can cause cough, swelling of throa
eves, breathing problems, headache, rashes etc.
8) Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam is used in the production of

Cushions
Mattresses
Pillows
It is observed that polyurethane foam usage produces iollo
bealth ailments in humans. They
are:
Bronchitis, coughing, skin and eye problems
Polyurethane foam sometime can releasetoluene di ISOCvanate
compound released can produce several lungs problem.
9) Acrylic
it is used to
) The produces following products;
2) Acrylic fibres are used in ett
blankets, Carpets
3) DiPaintssposablande diapers and napkinsclothing,
4) Floor waxes Adhesives
S)
6) Dentures
Contact lenses etc.
I.
Carcinogen is cancer causing
 Acrnlicin Hurnans can cause:
U'seof
Breathing difficulties
Nausea and vomiting
Weakness and fatigue etc
10)Tetrafluoro ethelyne
Tetrafloroetheyne is used in
al Non-stick cookware as Non-stíck coating
b) ironing board covers
c) Plumbing tools etc
Impact of Tetrafluoro ethelyne on humanhealth is as follows;
a) It can cause breathing difficulties
b) It can cause irritation to eye, nose and throat.