- Ingestion: Animals can ingest plastic debris, which can cause a number of health problems. Plastic can block the digestive tract, causing constipation, impaction, and even death. It can also leach toxic chemicals into the animal's body, damaging organs and tissues.
- Entanglement: Animals can become entangled in plastic debris, which can restrict their movement, cause injury, and even lead to death. For example, marine animals can become entangled in fishing nets, ropes, and other plastic debris, which can prevent them from swimming, feeding, and reproducing.
- Habitat destruction: Plastic pollution can also damage animal habitats. For example, plastic debris can smother coral reefs, blocking sunlight and preventing them from growing. It can also entangle and kill marine life, disrupting the food chain.
- Microplastics: Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters in size. They can be ingested by animals, and they can also leach toxic chemicals into the environment. Microplastics have been found in a variety of animals, including fish, birds, and mammals. The effects of microplastics on animal health are not yet fully understood, but they are a cause for concern.
Plastic pollution is a serious problem that can have a devastating impact on animal life. It is important to take steps to reduce plastic pollution, such as recycling plastic products and avoiding single-use plastics.