Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment

2019

Environment, PollutionXSources

Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?

(a)

They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.

(b)

They are considered to cause skin cancer in children

(c)

They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.

(d)

They are often found to be used as food adulterants.

Answer:

(a)

Moderate

Core Books

Core Books/NCERT

Explanation

Microbeads are tiny pieces of nonbiodegradable plastic measuring less than 1mm. These are widely used in face washes, body scrubs, soaps, toothpaste and other such toiletries. They are mainly made up of polyethylene (PE). It may also contain polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and nylon. Microbeads can cause plastic particle water pollution and pose an environmental hazard for aquatic animals in freshwater and ocean water.