What are the disadvantages of plastic? How does it harm the environment?
Plastics are manufactured from petroleum involving many chemicals, many of which have not been sufficiently tested for their toxicological impact on humans or animals. Even after their serviceable life has ended, there is still a big hunk of plastic that will take generations to break down and will release toxins as it does so.
Plastics often leech component chemicals, including hazardous chemicals, through common temperature changes. It is for this reason that toxicologists do not recommend storing very cold foods in plastics or heating foods (microwaving especially) in plastics.
Plastic tanks are also difficult to recycle or dispose off in a safe and ecological manner.
Fire and plastic tanks do not get along well- they’ll just melt and can be a real problem in case of fire accidents.
Plastic surfaces are most suitable for “Biofilms” to establish - the “slippery” and “soapy” feeling on the inside walls of the plastic tanks. Biofilm is a layer of microorganism and provides a safe haven for organisms like listeria and e coli.
In addition, the wisdom of storing drinking water in a container made from chemicals has yet to be proven. Another major disadvantage of a plastic tank is that it absorbs heat and raises the temperature of the water. Warm water encourages the growth of algae, supports bacteria, and unpleasant tastes.
There is now scientific evidence emerging, which questions the suitability of plastic (poly) as suitable material for potable water tanks. Phthalates (plasticizers), which are water soluble, are leaching in minute quantities into the water. Recent research indicates that the minuscule quantities of Phthalates, previously thought to be irrelevant, are effective endocrine disruptors in the human body and are also known to cause birth defects.
