Plastic is everywhere, from plastic credit cards to water bottles and even hospital IV bags. It simplifies our lives in many ways, but due to improper disposal, plastic has a very negative impact not only on our environment but also on humans and animals. Plastic pollutes our water sources, poisons humans and kills animals. Recycling and volunteering to clean beaches are just some of the many ways you can help control plastic pollution and prevent further damage to our Earth. This deadly problem must be resolved immediately. The environment is continually bombarded with plastic waste that it is unable to decompose. Plastic is a chemical compound manufactured to maintain its durability for several years. “Plastics are very long-lived products that could potentially serve for decades, and yet we primarily use these lightweight, inexpensive materials as single-use items that will go to landfill within a year, where they will persist for centuries,” Richard Thompson (environmentalhealthnews.org). Our improper disposal of plastic in places like humans eat fish and other sea creatures, so we are exposed to all the chemicals that animals contain. Due to leaks in landfills, our water typically contains traces of plastic chemicals. Everyday objects such as teething rings or plastic cups may contain traces of chemicals that enter the body. These levels are low enough that most won't notice, but the chemicals can have deadly effects on our bodies and health. High levels of bisphenol A (BPA) can disrupt hormonal balance, cause cancer, heart disease and even interfere with brain function. The developing immune systems of infants and children are more sensitive to the health risks of BPA, so side effects may be more widespread and serious.