ANSWERS: 1
  • The widespread belief that plastic bags are deadly to marine mammals and avians stems from a misinterpretation of a 1987 study that highlighted the damage caused by a plastic net. That doesn't mean there aren't dangers, though.

    Subjects

    House pets have greater access to plastic bags than wildlife and are more likely to be at risk.

    Obstruction

    Sharp teeth and claws can tear small fragments that easily lodge inside an animal's throat or stomach. An obstructed digestive tract can cause pain or death.

    Suffocation

    When a pet is entangled with its head or body inside a plastic bag, it can suffocate.

    Prevention

    Resist the urge to store plastic bags where your pet can reach them. Place them in a secure cabinet or at a level higher than your pet can reach. When discarding a plastic bag, do not litter. Place it in a proper trash receptacle or recycle it.

    Benefits

    Plastic bags do have a positive role in animal life when kept out of reach. Soiled items can be safely transported home and bags can remove pet waste when walking the dog.

    Source:

    Timesonline.co.uk: Series of blunders turned the plastic bag into global villain

    ASPCA.org: Poison Control

    Rodale.com: 8 Ways to Reuse Plastic Bags (Until They're Banned)

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