Question

Give any two ways in which non-biodegradable substances would affect the environment.

Answer 1

Non-biodegradable substances affect the environment by:

• They contaminate soil and water resources as they cannot be decomposed by micro-organisms.
• These substances, when accidentally eaten by stray animals, can harm them and can even cause their death.

Answer 2

• Chemicals like BHC and DDT induce carcinoma (muscle cancer) and growth of tumours.
• Handling of waste materials may cause skin, respiratory and intestinal infections.
• Non-biodegradable substances do not decompose easily so it produces land and water pollution.