Plastics have become an essential part of our everyday life. From packaging to construction, plastics are everywhere. In this article we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using plastics, with a view to understanding the impact that their use has on the environment and our lifestyle.
Plastics are synthetic materials made from long molecular chains of different elements, typically carbon and hydrogen. Plastics are incredibly versatile and can be molded into a variety of shapes, sizes and forms to serve a multitude of functions. They are usually lightweight and durable, making them the perfect material for a variety of applications.
Plastics have quickly become one of the most widely used materials in the world due to their versatility, durability and affordability. They are used in almost every industry, from packaging to automotive components, building construction, medical supplies, kitchenware and more. With new advances in technology, plastics offer even more uses such as being able to hold electrical charges, being flame retardant, or having specific biocompatibility properties.
The incredibly varied uses of plastics are reflected in the sheer number of different types of plastic. There are different types of plastics for each different application, which can be divided into two categories – thermosetting and thermoplastics. Thermosetting plastics are stiffer and more brittle, their shape is fixed once cooled and cannot be changed, while thermoplastics can be reused, molded, melted and reformed multiple times.
Plastics offer many advantages that make them a preferred material in many industries. One of the most important advantages of plastics is their durability. Plastics are extremely hard wearing and can be used in a variety of applications, including consumer goods, medical supplies, automotive components, and construction materials. In addition to being long-lasting, plastics also provide greater flexibility and versatility than other materials. This allows them to be molded into desired shapes, making them suitable for a vast number of objects or products.
Another advantage of plastics is their physical and chemical properties. Plastics are lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and resistant to corrosion, heat, and electricity. This makes them ideal for products that require these characteristics. And, because they can be easily colored and painted, plastics are used in a wide range of consumer goods.
Finally, plastics are an efficient energy source with far less environmental impact than traditional materials. For example, plastics require up to 70% less energy to produce than glass or ceramics and contribute significantly fewer emissions during production. This means that plastic products can be produced at a lower cost and with less environmental impact.
One of the major disadvantages of plastics is its environmental impact. Plastics are made from fossil fuels, and the manufacturing process produces a large amount of carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, the waste created by plastic production is often not recycled. Plastic waste can be found in oceans, landfills and other areas of the environment. This waste can take hundreds of years to decompose, and many plastics are not biodegradable at all. As a result, they remain in the environment indefinitely and can have negative effects on wildlife, plants and marine life.
Another disadvantage of plastics is the potential health risks they may pose. Many plastics contain toxic additives, such as bisphenol A (BPA), which can leach into food and drinks. BPA can mimic hormones, which can lead to an increased risk of certain cancers and endocrine-related illnesses. Additionally, plastics are often used as packaging for food and drinks. Unfortunately, this can lead to chemicals from the plastic leaching into the food or drink, making them potentially unsafe for consumption.
Finally, the production of plastics can also require large amounts of energy, leading to an increase in global warming. Plastics are made with chemical processes that require a lot of electricity and fossil fuels. This has an overall detrimental effect on the environment and contributes to climate change.