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I did not need more days to understand that the production of plastic in the world is exaggerated compared to recycled products that are easier to break down helping the world. Plastic is often used once after disposing of this plastic in other places. Plastic is sent to be recycled and the rest reaches the sea or other places creating the garbage islands and also creating "the tumor of the world"

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picked up just one cardboard thing but again lot of plastic

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I don`t
picked up nothing but a lot a lot of plastic

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in the first day I
collected the same amount of plastic and cardboard

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Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Cancer Center

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Plastics are used in a wide variety of products. Everyone uses plastics at home or at work on a daily basis. It is nearly impossible to avoid the usage of plastic in this day and age. From food containers to storage containers to gadgets to vehicles to furniture and more - there is plastic in some form or the other. Plastics spell convenience - they are light and they are cheap. However, not all plastics are created equal.

Several studies point to the use of plastics as one of the factors with a direct effect on the development of cancer. It helps to understand what the connection is between plastics and cancer, to prevent wrong and unnecessary usage of plastics, and avoid falling victim to this unfortunate disease. Some plastics release chemicals that are harmful. Studies show how some plastics when heated, release these harmful chemicals, like bisphenol A (BPA), which may cause cancer in people.
Understanding Types of Plastics
Plastics have been categorised depending on the type of plastic used in various consumer products. These are represented by numbers from 1-7, based on the type. Plastic products are required to display the type of plastic used by showing the respective number within the recycle triangle. The types of plastics are:

1. PETE or PET (polyethylene terephthalate)

2. HDPE (high-density polyethylene)

3. PVC (poly vinyl chloride)

4. LDPE (low-density polyethylene)

5. PP (polypropylene)

6. PS (polystyrene or styrofoam)

7. Other (includes poly carbonate and polylactide)

The risks associated with some plastics are lesser than the others.

PETE, category 1 plastic, is used in bottles in which commercial beverages are packaged. They are meant for single use only. These are not meant for repeated use

PVC, which falls under category 3, is used in production of toys, some bottles, food wrapping, etc. It is a known carcinogen. They contain hormone disrupters and exposure can lead to cancer. Hormone disruptors block natural production of hormone or mimic hormones creating an imbalance in the body.

Polystyrene, category 6, is a plastic used in disposable cups and plates. It is also widely known under the brand name Styrofoam. However, it is sold under various other brand names. It has been banned in some countries. This plastic is also considered carcinogenic.

This leaves us with category 2, 4, 5 and 7.

Of these, category 2 and 4, HDPE and LDPE respectively, are considered safer to use. HDPE plastics are used in milk and juice bottles; yoghurt, margarine and butter tubs; heavyduty garbage disposal bags and grocery bags. These plastics are not known to leach harmful chemicals or hormone disruptors.

LDPE, also considered safe, is used in plastic covers used to package breads and food bags like those used to store food in the refrigerator or freezer. Although they are hazardous during the production process, once they are developed into consumer products, they are not known to leak chemicals into the food stored in them.

Other plastics (polycarbonate) can contain BPA (Bisphenol A) which is harmful and is considered to simulate estrogen. It is a hormone disruptor. BPA contained in these plastic products can leach into food contained in them as the product ages. Eating utensils like spoons and forks, some bottles like water or baby bottles, some microwave dishes, etc. contain BPA unless otherwise specified.

However, category 7 also contains PLA (polymer polylactide) plastics. These plastics are derived from corn and sugarcane and do not contain BPA and so, are safe to use. PLA plastics are sometimes labelled 'PLA' alongwith the category 7 symbol. Sometimes, it displays a leaf symbol instead of 'PLA'. A new numbering system might be created to label PLA plastics separately. It is important to understand that non-PLA category 7 plastics should not be used around food or to contain food.
What can we do?
Avoid cooking food in plastic containers. Use microwave-safe plastic containers to heat or reheat food. Containers that are not meant to be used in a microwave can release chemicals that are harmful to our body. Microwave-safe bowls, plates and containers are marked to indicate their use. But reusing plastic boxes that were once used to package butter, pickles, or food takeaways to reheat food in the microwave, or reusing soft drink bottles to refill water are a definite no-no. Avoid exposure of food or water in plastic containers to sunlight.

Whenever possible avoid use of plastics. Turn to ceramics, clay/mud pots, glassware or food grade steel ware. There are various natural choices too, like compressed bamboo, wood or palm plates, bowls and cutlery if you need light, disposable and biodegradable options when you travel.

Pay attention to the labelling of the plastics you buy and use. Avoid plastics that contain BPA. Recycle plastics of the same category together, otherwise products that contain BPA will get mixed with ones that do not.

Reduce usage of canned food, and canned formula milk for babies.

Choose to use the right one

Plastics cannot be ruled out of our daily lives. However, we can educate ourselves and choose to use the right kind of plastic and for the appropriate use. We might unwittingly expose ourselves and ones close to us with harmful chemicals due to wrong choices when it comes to plastics. Therefore, familiarising ourselves with the kinds of plastics around us can help us choose better.

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Cancer and Plastics - Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Cancer Center

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Plastics are used in a wide variety of products. Everyone uses plastics at home or at work on a daily basis. It is nearly impossible to avoid the usage of plastic in this day and age. From food containers to storage containers to gadgets to vehicles to furniture and more - there is plastic in...

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I think that we can represent with the acelerated producing  of plastic wasting millions of tons in the sea causing a lot of

marine species deaths

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how we can reprecent the production of plastic with cancer?