In this era of many astonishing industrial developments, probably no industry has under gone such rapid growth and development as the plastics industry. Today, the total volume of plastics produced worldwide has surpassed that of all other production and continues to increase. Without a doubt, we have entered the ‘Age of Plastics’.
Millions of dollars are spent yearly in plastics research, trying to find new plastics and to improve the existing ones. In spite of the varied and widespread application of plastics in practically every phase of everyday life, the possibilities of this wonderful new material have been by no means exhausted. Virtually all plastics are made from nonrenewable natural resources, such as oil, coal or natural gas, which will eventually become exhausted. Today, 200 million tones of plastics are produced worldwide every year. Plastic wastes is increasing, adding to the already burdensome problems of waste management.
Plastic is used for many products including: food containers, flooring, toys, clothing, raincoats, shoes, building products, hospital blood bags and other medical devices.
The major chemicals used to make plastic resins pose serious risks to public health and safety. Many of the chemicals used in large volumes to produce plastics are highly toxic. Some chemicals, like benzene and vinyl chloride, are known to cause cancer in humans; many tend to be gases and liquid hydrocarbons, which readily vaporize and pollute the air. Many are flammable and explosive. Even the plastic resins themselves are flammable and have contributed to numerous chemical accidents. The production of plastic emits substantial amounts of toxic chemicals eg. ethylene oxide, benzene and xylenes to air and water. Many of the toxic chemicals released in plastic production can cause cancer and birth defects and damage the nervous system, blood, kidneys and immune systems. These chemicals can also cause serious damage to ecosystems. Hence, now the time has arrived to protect our Earth from plastic.