| I googled "plastic harm", immediately hit this Wikipedia page (linked to relevant section): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_pollution#Effects It's fairly well sourced. Some examples of harm from plastics, mostly on the environment: > Degradation (changes in the ecosystem state) and modifications of marine systems are associated with loss of ecosystem services and values. > in 2019, production and incineration of plastic will contribute greenhouse gases in the equivalent of 850 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere > For example, in Bangkok flood risk increases substantially because of plastic waste clogging the already overburdened sewer system. > Marine wildlife such as seabirds, whales, fish and turtles mistake plastic waste for prey; most then die of starvation as their stomachs become filled with plastic. They also suffer from lacerations, infections, reduced ability to swim, and internal injuries. > When analyzing the effect of polyethylene microbeads (origin: cosmetic exfoliants) on the aquatic macrophyte L. minor, no effect on photosynthetic pigments & productivity was found, but root growth and root cell viability decreased. But this one's about humans: > By affecting the thyroid hormone axis, BPA exposure can lead to hypothyroidism. |