Question

Plastics Bags are a potential hazard to the environment. Which of the following options correctly describe this?
1. They are light in weight and hence cause nuisance by flying
2. Toxic chemicals are used in their production
3. They are non-resistant to heat
4. They are non-biodegradable

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : They are non-biodegradable

The correct answer is Option 4.

• Polyethene which is used to manufacture plastic poly bags is extracted from either cracked natural glass or refined oil. Hence, option 2 is incorrect.
• Plastic bags are made by a process called blown film extrusion.
  • In the process, polyethene pellets are melted down, blown into a thin material, and manufactured into bags.
• They are non-biodegradable because they can't disintegrate in the soil and contains many chemicals in them which will pollute soil and water. Hence, option 4 is correct.
• It takes hundreds of years for them to decompose. Also, toxic substances are released into the soil when plastic bags perish under sunlight and, if plastic bags are burned, they release a toxic substance into the air causing ambient air pollution. 
• There are varieties of poly bags available that are highly resistant to heat. Hence, option 3 is incorrect.
• They are lightweight which makes them fly when the wind blows with speed but this does not describe plastic bags correctly. Hence, option 1 is incorrect.