Thematic Report: Chemical Product(human made or naturally produced) that affects the environment positively or negativelyby Sainath Manikandan | 14-04-2020 19:44 |
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  Chemical Product(human made or naturally produced) that affects the environment positively or negatively Chemicals – Do we see them or use them on a day to day basis? Yes, they are the basic building blocks that make up all living and non-living things on earth. Do they occur naturally or it is made by us? Many of them does occur naturally while a few are made by humans. They are found in our homes, water, food and air. Some of them are synthetic. Do we use such synthetic chemicals. Yes of course, they are used in our everyday products like computers, fabrics, medicines and fuels. A few of the other chemicals are the by-products of the chemical processes. The quality of our lives can be improved with a few chemicals and they do not harm the environment or our health in anyway. However, some of them cause harm and should be used only when the potential hazards or risks are taken into account and control measures are taken appropriately. Now, let¡¯s see in depth how some of the chemicals affect our environment. The amount of harm or damage caused to our environment is directly proportional to the amount of chemical released, the type and chemical concentration. Some of the impact can¡¯t be seen immediately. Some chemicals enter our food chain and cause serious health issues. Many chemicals are used to improve the quality of our lives and most are not harmful to the environment or human health. However, some chemicals have the potential to cause harm, in certain amounts, and should only be used when the potential risks are appropriately managed. A few of the product label states ¡°environmentally friendly¡±. Does this mean that products are not going to harm the environment? The main issue is that it does not tell the consumer about how much the product is going to be beneficial to both humans and environment. Let me explain this with a simple product that we use every day. It is about the cleaning products that we use at home or at office. Many cleaning products are harmful to consume i.e. toxic. They are toxic to plants, animals and also us. The chemicals such as nitrogen, ammonia, phosphorus are harmful. When we use them for cleaning our household appliances or toilets they are getting drained down. What happens to the waste water? The majority of the contaminants are removed in the waste water treatment facilities and the remaining water is let out to the lakes, ponds and rivers. But this process doesn¡¯t guarantee the removal of all contaminants. So this eventually has a substantial negative effect on us, animals and plants. The packaging used in these type of chemicals are recyclables. But do everyone send their waste to recycling centres?? Many of them just throw these used and empty products just like that. As we all know that plastic is non-biodegradable. It ends up in landfills. Over a period of time, we can see huge mountain of these products getting plied up in landfills. These also cause major harm to us. Nowadays many of the companies are realizing and making significant improvements in their packaging. Is there any way that we can do a bit of help to save our environment from these hazardous chemicals? Yes, there are many things that we as global citizens can do to help the environment and love the planet. Initially, we need to read carefully all the information provided on a product label and then purchase that product. The next thing is we must use them only as directed. We need to look out for safe alternatives for the harmful chemicals to save ourselves as well as our environment. Many of them don¡¯t know the proper ways to dispose used batteries and plastics. Some of them throw them without thinking about the serious impact of these disposed items. We need to familiarize ourselves with the different recycling programs that is being offered in different countries. Many ecofriendly measures like walking, using public transportation or car pool can be used instead of driving. This will reduce the fuel consumption. Finally, we need to be wise enough to buy only eco-friendly products to minimize our carbon footprints. But one question that keeps lingering in my mind is that are the brands that are labelled ¡°Green¡± or ¡°Eco-Friendly¡± really sustainable than the other products being available? https://chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca/fact-fait/chem-chim_environ-eng.php https://blueandgreentomorrow.com/environment/how-exactly-cleaning-supplies-affect-environment/ |
