Still using plastic bags? Think again!
20 August 2009
More devastating information about plastic has come to light this week. Plastic is decomposing in our oceans and releasing harmful chemicals.
A new study reveals that the hundreds of millions of tonnes of plastic floating in our oceans is actually breaking down – and releasing toxins in the process.
Two of the chemicals – bisphenol A and PS oligomers – disturb the hormone and reproductive systems in animals.
And we are at risk too. Decomposing styrofoam releases styrene monomer, a known carcinogen, and styrene dimer and trimer which are both suspected carcinogens.
‘We found that plastic in the ocean actually decomposes as it is exposed to the rain and sun and other environmental conditions, giving rise to yet another source of global contamination that will continue into the future.” Dr Katsuhiko Saido to yesterday’s meeting of the American Chemical Society.
Is this just the tip of the iceberg? What will further research reveal about the islands of plastics we are creating now? Still using plastic bags? Think again!
