HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR PLASTIC TO DISAPPEAR?
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Even though plastics sometimes are only used for a few moments, they are made to last forever. Plastic never goes away, instead it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces. So, although plastic doesn’t degrade, it does break down into microplastics, which can be as small as a millimeter in diameter and act like magnets for harmful pollutants. Some microplastics are so small that zooplankton at the base of the ocean food chain can consume them. That way, the potentially chemical-laden microplastics can accumulate in the bodies of ever-larger predators, making their way into the fish and seafood humans eat. Scientists are still studying how we might be affected by the plastics that are making their way into our food, water and air.
The most durable plastic items, such as bottles, disposable nappies and beer holders, can take 450 years to degrade. Other commonplace items such as straws can take up to 200 years to degrade and foam plastic cups can take 50 years.