A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STRUCTURED

TEACHING PROGRAMME ON HAZARDS OF PLASTIC WASTE AND ITS

SAFE DISPOSAL AMONG ADOLOSCENTS IN A SELECTED PRE-

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT BANGALORE.

M.Sc. Nursing Dissertation Protocol submitted to

Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka, Bangalore.

By

Ms.SUJA.N

M.Sc NURSING 1ST YEAR

2011-2013

Under the Guidance of MR.RAMACHANDRA

HOD, Department of Medical Nursing

National College of Nursing

Heggnahalli Cross,

Magadi Road

Bangalore -91

RAJIVGANDHI UNIVERSITY OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES,

KARNATAKA, BANGALORE

ANNEXURE – II

PROFORMA FOR REGISTRATION OF SUBJECT FOR DISSERTATION 1. NAME OF THE CANDIDATE

AND ADDRESS

MS.SUJA.N

1st YEAR M.Sc NURSING

NATIONAL COLLEGE OF NURSING,

BANGALORE-91

2 NAME OF THE INSTITUTION NATIONAL COLLEGE OF NURSING,

BANGALORE-913 COURSE OF THE STUDY AND

SUBJECT

M.Sc. NURSING

COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING

4 DATE OF ADMISSION TO

COURSE

15-05-2011

5 TITLE OF THE STUDY

A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STRUCTURED

TEACHING PROGRAMME ON HAZARDS OF PLASTIC WASTE

AND ITS SAFE DISPOSAL AMONG ADOLOSCENTS IN A

SELECTED PRE-UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT BANGALORE.

6.0 BRIEF RESUME OF THE INTENDED WORK:

INTRODUCTION

The word “plastic” comes from the Greek word “plastikos”

meaning “to form”. Plastics is any of a group of synthetic or natural organic materials that

may be shaped when soft and then hardened, including many types of resins,

resinoids,polymers, cellulose derivatives, casein materials, and proteins: used in place of

other materials, as glass, wood, and metals, in construction and decoration, for making

many articles, as coatings, and, drawn into filaments, for weaving. 1

The first man-made plastic was created by Alexander

Parkes who publicly demonstrated it at the 1862 Great International Exhibition in London.

The material called Parkesine was an organic material derived from cellulose that once

heated could be molded, and retained its shape when cooled. Celluloid is derived from

cellulose and alcoholised camphor. John Wesley Hyatt invented celluloid as a substitute

for the ivory in billiard balls in 1868. He first tried using collodion a natural substance,

after spilling a bottle of it and discovering that the material dried into a tough and flexible

film. However, the material was not strong enough to be used as a billiard ball, until the

addition of camphor, a derivative of the laurel tree. The new celluloid could be molded

with heat and pressure into a durable shape.1

Almost all plastics are made from petroleum, except

a few experimental resins derived from corn and other organic substances. Plastics are

polymers, very long chain molecules that consist of subunits (monomers) linked together

by chemical bonds The monomers of petrochemical plastics are inorganic materials (such

as styrene) and are not biodegradable. Plastic has many properties which has made it a

raw material of choice for Manufactures of plastic Bags and packing materials. Cost of

production, light weight, strength, easy process of manufacture. There is nothing wrong

with plastic as a material. Man has simply not put the plastic to the right use/ or using it

without taking proper care of other related norms of usage.1

The hazards plastics pose are numerous. The land gets

littered by plastic bag garbage presenting an ugly and unhygienic seen. The "Throw away

culture" results in these bags finding their way in to the city drainage system, the resulting

blockage cases inconvenience, difficult in maintaining the drainage with increased cost,

creates unhygienic environment resulting in health hazard and spreading of water borne

diseases. This littering also reduces rate of rain water percolating, resulting in lowering of

already low water levels in our cities. The soil fertility deteriorates as the plastic bags

form part of manure remains in the soil for years. It has been observed that the animals

eating the bags sometimes die. Plastic goes into the ocean which is already a plastic

infested body of water. Fish and other marine species in the water ways, misunderstanding

plastic garbage as food items swallow them and die. More than a 100 million tonnes of

plastic is produced world-wide each year. Though plastics have opened the way for a

plethora of new inventions and devices it has also ended up clogging the drains and

becoming a health hazard. Many countries, including India, are trying to increase the

amount of plastic that is recycled. But commercial interests create hindrance for effective

legislation to remove plastics from goods where they can threaten public health. Also

there is a clear trend of shipping off the plastic waste of developed countries to under

developed and developing countries. India imported 7,841.8 metric tonnes of plastic waste

from the US in the first half of 2004. India is the fourth highest Asian importer of plastic

waste behind Hong Kong, Philippines, Indonesia. Average Indian uses one kilogram (kg)

of plastics per year, the world annual average is a alarming 18 kg. But too many do it as

our cities have huge population. The country yet to take a serious view of the issue and

have a uniform nation-wide law for indiscreet disposals of plastic bags. People should be

educated on the proper ways of plastic bag usage and the disposal.

These are some of the hazards associated with using plastic:

Polyethylene, contained in plastic articles including shopping bags, disposable

bottles and glasses, chewing gum and toys, is believed to be carcinogenic (cancer

causing).

Some plastic water bottles contain Bisphenol A, a compound that is believed to

cause cancer, impair the immune system lead to early puberty and trigger

development of obesity and diabetes.

Polystyrene, the form of plastic used to make styrofoam articles such as disposable

cups and plates, it is believed, enters the body with food and accumulates in fat

tissues. It can also cause irritation in the eyes, nose and throat.

Tetrafluoro-ethelyne, the plastic compound used to manufacture non-stick cooking

ware, can irritate the eyes and nose and cause respiratory problems

Acrylic, used in clothes, contact lenses, dentures, adhesives, articles used to

prepare food, diapers, sanitary napkins, and other products, can cause vomiting,

nausea, diarrhea, respiratory difficulties and headaches.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a form of plastic used in packaging, containers, utility

items and cosmetics has been linked to onset of cancer and birth and genetic

conditions. It can also cause bronchitis, skin disease, deafness and vision

problems, and digestion and liver related problems.

Phthalates, present in emulsions, inks, footwear and toys among other products, is

associated with hormonal disturbances, developmental issues, cancer, reduced

sperm count

The quantum of solid waste is ever increasing due to increase in population,

developmental activities, changes in life style, and socio-economic conditions,

Plastics waste is a significant portion of the total municipal solid waste (MSW ).

It is estimated that approximately 10 thousand tons per day (TPD) of plastics waste

is generated i.e. 9% of 1.20 lacs TPD of MSW in the country. The plastics waste

constitutes two major category of plastics; (i) Thermoplastics and (ii) Thermo set

plastics. Thermoplastics, constitutes 80% and thermo set constitutes approximately

20% of total post-consumer plastics waste generated in India. The Thermoplastics

are recyclable plastics which include; Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Low

Density Poly Ethylene (LDPE), Poly Vinyal Choloride(PVC), High Density

Poly Ethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene(PP), Polystyrene (PS) etc. However,

thermo set plastics contains alkyd, epoxy, ester, melamine formaldehyde, phenolic

formaldehyde, silicon, urea formaldehyde, polyurethane, metalized and multilayer

plastics etc. On the one hand, all major types of plastics are recyclable, meaning

that technologies to recycle these materials have been developed and are in use in

some areas.  Community recycling programs often collect plastic bottles made

from PET and HDPE , which, together represent approximately 96 percent of all

plastic bottles produced in the United States.  Although a growing number of

communities have started to collect other types of plastic containers, such as tubs,

trays, lids, buckets and so on, opportunities to recycle plastics vary widely.

Recycling of plastics should be carried in such a manner to minimize the pollution

during the process and as a result to enhance the efficiency of the process and

conserve the energy. Plastics recycling technologies have been historically divided

into four general types -primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary. Primary

recycling involves processing of a waste/scrap into a product with characteristics

similar to those of original product. Secondary sperm count and infertility and

weakened immunity. Secondary recycling involves processing of waste/scrap

plastics into materials that have characteristics different from those of original

6.1

plastics product. Tertiary recycling involves the production of basic chemicals and

fuels from plastics waste/scrap as part of the municipal waste stream or as a

segregated waste. Quaternary recycling retrieves the energy content of waste/scrap

plastics by burning / incineration. This process is not in use in India.2

NEED FOR STUDY

Plastic is everywhere in today’s lifestyle. It’s used for packaging,

protecting, serving, and even disposing of all kinds of consumer goods. Through industrial

revolution mass production of goods started and plastic seemed to be a cheaper and

effective raw material. Today, every vital sector of the economy starting from agriculture

to packaging, automobile, building construction, communication or InfoTech has been

virtually revolutionized by the applications of plastics. Use of this non-biodegradable

(according to recent studies, plastics can stay as long as 4500 years on earth) product is

growing rapidly and the problem is what to do with plastic-waste. Studies have linked the

improper disposal of plastic to problems as distant as breast cancer, reproductive problems

in humans and animals, genital abnormalities and much more. If a ban is put on the use of

plastics on emotional grounds, the real cost would be much higher, the inconvenience

much more, the chances of damage or contamination much greater. The risks to the family

health and safety would increase and, above all the environmental burden would be

manifold. Hence the question is not ‘Plastics vs No Plastics’ but it is more concerned with

the judicious use and re-use of plastic-waste. 3

India has witnessed a substantial growth in the consumption

of plastics and an increased production of plastic waste. Polyolefin’s account for the major

share of 60% in the total plastics consumption in India. Packaging is the major plastics

consuming sector, with 42% of the total consumption, followed by consumer products and

the construction industry. The relationship observed between plastic consumption and the

gross domestic product for several countries was used to estimate future

plastics consumption (master curve). Elasticities of the individual material growth with

respect to GDP were established for the past and for the next three decades estimated for

India thereby assuming a development comparable with that of Western Europe. On this

basis, the total plastics consumption is projected to grow by a factor of six between 2000

and 2030. The consumption of various end products is combined with their corresponding

lifetimes to calculate the total waste quantities. The weighted average lifetime of plastics

products was calculated as 8 years. Forty-seven percent of the total plastics waste

generated is currently recycled in India; this is much higher than the share of recycling in

most of the other countries. The recycling sector alone employs as many people as the

plastics processing sector, which employs about eight times more people than the plastics

manufacturing sector. Due to the increasing share of long-life products in the economy,

and consequently in the volume of waste generated, the share of recycling will decrease to

35% over the next three decades. The total waste available for disposal (excluding

recycling) will increase at least 10-fold up to the year 2030 from its current level of 1.3

million tonnes.4

Plastic causes serious damage to environment during its

production process and during its disposal process. So the only way to reduce the hazards

of plastic pollution is to reduce the use of plastic and thereby force a reduction in its

production. The major chemicals that go into the making of plastic are highly toxic and

pose serious threat to living beings of all species on earth. Some of the constituents of

plastic such as benzene and vinyl chloride are proved to cause cancer, and other gases and

liquid hydrocarbons spoil earth and air. The noxious substances emitted during the

production of plastic are synthetic chemicals like ethylene oxide, benzene and xylenes.

Besides hitting hard the ecosystem. which is already fragile, these chemicals can cause an

array of maladies ranging from birth defects to cancer, damage the nervous system and

the immune system and also adversely affect the blood and the kidneys. And, many of

these toxic substance are emitted during recycling of plastic too.4

No doubt that plastic waste is polluting the soil and killing innocent

animals that ingest unknowingly. However it definitely has many uses and instead of

banning it completely we need to create greater awareness. Strict action must be taken

against those found littering. One of the major culprits of this are the innumerable

roadside vendors selling various articles packed in plastic. More needs to be done to

recycle plastic waste for putting it to long term use .We can avoid using plastic but cannot

banning completely so awareness of the harm people are causing to the environment by

their carelessness is only way to make a change. If every person took the initiative of

keeping the environment clean of all pollutants, our world would be a much healthier

place.5

The hazardous waste generated in the country per annum is

estimated to be around 4.4 million tones,While as per the estimates of Organization for

Economic Cooperation and Development(OECD) derived from correlating hazardous

waste generation and economic activities, nearly five million tons of hazardous waste are

being produced in the country annually. This estimate of around 4.4 million MTA is based

on the 18 categories of wastes which appeared in the HWM Rules first published in

1989.Out of this, 38.3% is recyclable, 4.3% is incinerable and the remaining 57.4% is

disposable in secured landfills. Twelve States of the country (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil

Nadu, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Kerala, Andhra

Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan) account for 97% of total hazardous waste generation.

The top four waste generating states are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil

Nadu.5

It is very hard to dispose of used plastic. You can't throw them in the open.

Disposed plastic will affect the environment for many years to come. The burning of

Plastics produces persistent organic pollutants (POPs) known as furans and dioxins. These

pollutants circulate globally and have been associated with adverse effects in humans,

including immune and enzyme disorders. They are classified as possible human

carcinogens But you should find a way to dispose the plastic that are already in use. The

best and most popular way to dispose of plastic without affecting the environment is to

recycle it. Plastic can be recycled any number of times. You can give your plastic bags to

many stores who will give it to recycling companies. The only problem with this

method of plastic disposal is that the various types of plastics have to be segregated before

reusing them5

The recent studies and statistics throws the light that

Plastic waste is an important problem in this contemporary epoch and more people are

affected mainly due to improper disposal methods and poor knowledge among the people

regarding the disposal strategies..So the investigator is very much interested in doing this

topic.

6.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

INTRODUCTION

Review of literature is a key step in the research process. The typical purpose

of analyzing a review of existing literature is to generate questions and to identify what is

known and what is unknown about the topic. The major goals of review of literature are to

develop a strong knowledge base to carry out research and non research scholalarly

activity.

The review has been divided under the following headings:

a) Studies related to environmental hazards and health issues due to plastic. (b) Studies related to disposal of plastic (c) Studies related to assess the knowledge and attitude of students on safe

disposal of plastic wastes.

STUDIES RELATED TO ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND

HEALTH ISSUES DUE TO PLASTIC.

A survey on short-term adverse health effects in a community exposed

to a large polyvinylchloride plastics fire to representatives of each household who had

lived in an area evacuated during the fire. A time-series analysis was performed, 62% of

the individuals surveyed from the evacuation area reported no health concerns or

symptoms related to the fire. 38% of the residents reported symptoms, and less than 2% of

those surveyed reported that they sought medical attention for their health concerns. There

was no evidence of increased hospital admissions or emergency room use during and

immediately following the fire. No cases of chloracne were reported, and no deaths or

serious injuries occurred during the fire. Polyvinylchloride plastics recycling plants pose

potential health hazards to civilian populations. Public health authorities should be

prepared to assess population health status rapidly and to disseminate relevant health

information in a timely way during a crisis.6

A study conducted on environmental and health hazard ranking and

assessment of plastic polymers based on chemical composition, the environmental and

health hazards of chemicals used in 55 thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers were

identified and compiled. A hazard ranking model was developed for the hazard classes

and categories .The polymers that ranked as most hazardous are made of monomers

classified as mutagenic and/or carcinogenic. These belong to the polymer families of

polyurethanes, polyacrylonitriles , polyvinyl chloride, epoxy resins, and styrenic

copolymers. All have a large global annual production (1-37 million tonnes). A

considerable number of polymers (31 out of 55) are made of monomers that belong to the

two worst of the ranking model's five hazard levels, i.e. levels IV-V. The polymers that

are made of level IV monomers and have a large global annual production (1-5 million

tonnes) are phenol formaldehyde resins, unsaturated polyesters, polycarbonate,

polymethyl methacrylate, and urea-formaldehyde resins. This study has identified

hazardous substances used in polymer production for which the risks should be evaluated

for decisions on the need for risk reduction measures, substitution, or even phase out.7

A descriptive study on environmental implications

of plastic debris in marine settings - entanglement, ingestion, smothering, hangers-on,

hitch-hiking and alien invasions, Over the past five or six decades, contamination and

pollution of the world's enclosed seas, coastal waters and the wider open oceans

by plastics and other synthetic, non-biodegradable materials (generally known as 'marine

debris') has been an ever-increasing phenomenon. The sources of these polluting materials

are both land- and marine-based, their origins may be local or distant, and the

environmental consequences are many and varied. The more widely recognized problems

are typically associated with entanglement, ingestion, suffocation and general debilitation,

and are often related to stranding events and public perception. Among the less frequently

recognized and recorded problems are global hazards to shipping, fisheries and other

maritime activities. Today, there are rapidly developing research interests in the biota

attracted to freely floating (i.e. pelagic) marine debris, commonly known as 'hangers-on

and hitch-hikers' as well as material sinking to the sea floor despite being buoyant.

Dispersal of aggressive alien and invasive species by these mechanisms leads one to

reflect on the possibilities that ensuing invasions could endanger sensitive, or at-risk

coastal environments (both marine and terrestrial) far from their native habitats.8

A study conducted on Combustion products of plastics as indicators for

refuse burning in the atmosphere, Samples were collected in Concón, Chile, an area

frequently affected by wildfire incidents and garbage burning. Atmospheric samples from

various aerosol sampling programs are also presented as supportive data. The major

components of plastic extracts were even-carbon-chain n-alkenes’ (C16-C40), the

plasticizer di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, and the antioxidants and lubricants/antiadhesives

Irganox 1076, Irgafos 168, and its oxidation product tris (2,4-di-tertbutylphenyl)

phosphate. Major compounds in smoke from burning plastics include the non-source-

specific n-alkanes (mainly even predominance), terephthalic acid, phthalates, and 4-

hydroxybenzoic acid, with minor amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (including

triphenylbenzenes) and tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate. 1,3 ,5-Triphenylbenzene

and tris (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)- phosphate were found in detectable amounts in

atmospheric samples where plastics and refuse were burned in open fires, and thus

propose these two compounds as specific tracers for the open-burning of plastics.9

A survey conducted on Health issues in plastics production and

processing. plastic components are essential in countless applications, the production of

plastic materials with applications is seemingly limitless. Given the size and diversity

of plastics-related employment, occupational health professionals are likely to be

involved in assessing health issues related to plastic manufacturing and processing. As

industrial and medical experience with these compounds has grown, so has the recognition

of a variety of potential health hazards. Health professionals need to be familiar with the

different sectors of this industry and the diverse materials and processes.10

A study conducted on Occupational skin hazards from

synthetic plastics, acrylates are now considered the fourth most common cause of contact

sensitization due to resins. Unpolymerized monomers of acrylic compounds are known to

be responsible for the contact allergy. Accelerators, inhibitors and catalysts, which are

usually added to the acrylates to promote the polymerization process, can also sensitize.

Both allergic and irritant contact dermatitis may be caused by exposure to epoxy or acrylic

resins and their additives. Contact urticaria, allergic or irritant airborne contact dermatitis

caused by volatile compounds, onychia and paronychia can also occur. From January of

1984 to May of 1992 we detected 39 cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis to

epoxy resin system substances and 11 cases of occupational contact sensitization to

acrylic compounds. In our experience, the electronics industry as well as paint and glue

related activities were the most important sources of epoxy sensitization. Dental materials

and anaerobic sealants were found to be the most frequent acrylate sensitizers.11

A study conducted on Consumer  hazards of plastics, a large variety of

toxic sequellae have resulted from untoward exposures by many different routes: oral,

dermal, inhalation, and parenteral. Toxic change may result from the plastic itself,

migration of unbound components and additives, chemical decomposition or toxic

pyrolysis products. The type of damage may involve acute poisoning, chronic organ

damage, reproductive disorders, and carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic episodes.

Typical examples for all routes are cited along with the activites of Canadian regulatory

agencies to reduce both the incidence and severity of plastic-induced disease.12

A descriptive study on occupational and environmental

health hazards in the plastics industry, these hazards are due to the monomers used to

make the various plastics, to unreacted monomer contained within the finished products,

and to the fillers, stabilizers, pigments, inhibitors, and initiators used in fabricating the

finished products. They run the gamut from angiosarcomas of the liver due to vinyl

chloride, to dermatitis and asthma-like reactions due to the initiators used with epoxy

resins.13

A study conducted on plastic Materials and Environmental

Externalities: Structural Causes and Corrective Policy, Several negative externalities

arising from the consumption and disposal of plastics materials include the aesthetic

damage created by landfills containing plastic waste, the impact to marine life of plastic

residuals, the hazardous emissions of plastic incineration, and the economic inefficiencies

created by the difficulty of plastic reutilization from recycling. The fundamental causes

for the presence of these externalities are explored, including the lack of incentives in

present legislation for the development of a recycling infrastructure and fluctuating market

conditions for recycled input materials. A corrective policy is then presented to internalize

the costs of recycling and to promote R&D activities into the development of efficient,

low-contaminant recycling facilities in the US.14

STUDIES RELATED TO DISPOSAL OF PLASTIC

A study conducted on plastic waste management in india, 60%

of the plastic-waste collected and segregated gets recycled back into materials for further

processing into consumer products, while the balance is left unutilized. Regulations and

legislations are being enforced in two States of India viz. Haryana and Himachal

pradesh, while a National Plastic Waste Management Council Task Force has been set up

by the Government of India, Ministry of Environment of Forests, with the association of

Department of Petroleum and Chemicals, Ministry of Urban Affairs, Municipal

Corporation of Delhi and various groups/associations of plastic manufacturers. Scope is

there for the recycling/management of plastic waste, as an `organised activity’ in India.

Plastic Waste Management has assumed great significance in view of the urbanisation

activities. Plastic waste generated by the polymer manufacturers at the production,

extrusion, quality control & lab. Testing etc., stages, as well as, by the consumers require

urgent disposal and recycling to avoid health hazards. Various strategies are being

devised to mitigate the impact of plastic waste in India.15

A study conducted on new perspectives in plastic biodegradation,

recycling has practically failed to provide a safe solution for disposal

of plastic waste (only 5% out of 1 trillion plastic bags, annually produced in the US alone,

are being recycled). Since the most utilized plastic is polyethylene (PE; ca. 140 million

tons/year), any reduction in the accumulation of PE waste alone would have a major

impact on the overall reduction of the plastic waste in the environment. Since PE is

considered to be practically inert, efforts were made to isolate unique microorganisms

capable of utilizing synthetic polymers. Recent data showed that biodegradation

of plastic waste with selected microbial strains became a viable solution16

A quantitative study conducted on the potential environmental gains

from recycling waste plastics: simulation of transferring recycling and recovery

technologies to Shenyang, China, in Shenyang, China various recycling/energy-

recovery technologies and the mechanical waste plastics recycling technology, which

produces concrete formwork boards (NF boards), has the greatest potential in terms of

reducing GHG emissions (1.66 kg CO(2)e/kg plastics), whereas the technology for the

production of refuse plastic fuel (RPF) has the greatest potential on saving fossil fuel

consumption (0.77 kg ce/kg-plastics). Additional benefits can be gained by applying

combined technologies that cascade the utilization of waste plastics. Moreover, the

development of clean energy in conjunction with the promotion of

new waste plastics recycling programs could contribute to additional reductions in GHG

emissions and fossil fuel consumption.17

A study on Guidelines for recycling of plastics conducted by the National

Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) for the Brihan Mumbai Municipal

Corporation, which handles more than 5,500 metric tonnes MSW per day shows that

plastic waste is 0.75 %. In Europe and U.S.A, plastic waste makes up 8 % of total MSW.

The rest is made up of organic materials (33%), paper and paperboards (30%), glass and

metals (16%) and others (13%).The methods of recycling and the technology used for the

same at present are quite outmoded and are in need of up gradation. It has also been

observed that some of industries even recycle the plastic waste/scrap which is totally

unhygienic and such is a health hazard for persons who use items made from such plastics

and even used at times for packaging of foodstuff and medicines.18

An experimental study conducted on waste plastic conversion

into chemical product like naphtha, thermal degradation of waste plastics is one method

currently being investigated as an alternative to landfill. Although the thermal process

produces significant quantities of light naphtha range (C6–C14) liquids, there is also a

residual fraction that may be considered as a potential feed stock for upgrading. The

fraction of a liquid produced by the thermal degradation process of waste plastics,

containing about 29%, +110 °C naphtha chemical, was subjected to thermal reactions. The

reactions used a commercial HZSM-5 supported on zeolite catalyst and gave good

conversion to naphtha. The process well simulated the experimental data, including

experimentally observed trends such as the maximum in naphtha yield. 19

A study on degradation of plastic carrier bags in the marine

environment to investigate breakdown of two oxo-biodegradable plastics,

compostable plastic and standard polyethylene in the marine environment . Tensile

strength of all materials decreased during exposure, but at different rates.

Compostable plastic disappeared from our test rig between 16 and 24 weeks whereas

approximately 98% of the other plastics remained after 40 weeks. Some plastics require

UV light to degrade. Transmittance of UV through oxo-biodegradable and standard

polyethylene decreased as a consequence of fouling such that these materials received ∼ 90% less UV light after 40 weeks. Our data indicate that compostable plastics may

degrade relatively quickly compared to oxo-biodegradable and conventional plastics.

While degradable polymers offer waste management solutions, there are limitations to

their effectiveness in reducing hazards associated with plastic debris.20

STUDIES RELATED TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF

PEOPLE ON SAFE DISPOSL OF PLASTIC WASTES.

A study to assess Student’s knowledge on the health

and environmental effects associated with open burning of household wastes at Kinondoni

Municipality in Dar es Salaam City. The study involved 300 respondents whose aged

ranges between 15 years to 22 years (SD=1.O61).Majority of the respondents were from

the age group of 15 – 18(35.7%), 20 years and above had the least members (6.3%) More

than 53% (160) of respondents were male. The analysis on the past experiences on

disposal mechanism of solid waste as reported by all respondents; revealed that 48.0%

buried waste underground, 47% was open burnt and 5% solid waste were collected by a

vehicle collected. These findings give picture of how the disposal mechanisms commonly

being practiced by the community in the past few decades. The study explored the current

practices of solid waste disposal. The analysis revealed that 213(71.0%)practiced open

burning of household waste. Open burning took place along the street roads (45.1%), in

front of house (27.7%), at the back yard (18.3%) and the rest in the barrel (8.9%).The

result showed that, solid waste often burnt in households included tree leaves (72%),

plastics including bags and bottles (70.4%), papers (68.5%),Garbage i.e. food waste

(65.3%), tires (51.6%), old mattresses (39.0%) plus leather with worn out clothes(31.9%).

Most of these wastes were generated from different activities conducted around

households. Regarding final disposal mechanism, the result showed that, 71% of the

household practices open burning as the final disposal of solid waste. 21

A study was conducted among 200 households was obtained using a

multi-staged random sampling technique from among households in Awka, Anambra

State, Nigeria. Of the 200 households, 144 resided in 3-bedroom quarters either flats or

bungalows, 31 in single room apartments, 18 in two rooms while the remaining 7

households lived in houses that had more than three rooms 112 of the households were

made up of 5-6 persons (56%), followed by a family size of 3-4 persons in 40 of the

households (20%) The commonest type of waste generated was garbage (100%), followed

by cellophane bags (99%), plastics and paper (59%). Less than half of the respondents

(43.5%) agreed to generating glass and metal . 194 of the households owned a receptacle

for storing their solid waste (97%) of which 158 (81.5%) preferred plastic bins, 21

(10.8%) metal bins while 15 (7.8%) used cellophane bags Further evaluation showed that

83.5% covered their waste bin while 13.5% did not and that most kept the bin or bag

outside the house while only 8% kept theirs inside in the kitchen.This study showed that

6.3

majority of the respondents (95%) had knowledge of recycling of waste. Plastic was the

best-known recyclable material among the respondents (59%) followed by paper (21.5%),

and glass (13.5%). Most of the households did not recycle their solid waste (75%), others

deposited theirs in recycling cages (12.6%), sold their plastic containers, empty bottles

and scrap metal (3.5%) or gave them to the poor (1.5%).55.5% of the respondents

expressed dissatisfaction with the disposal of their solid waste by ANSEPA while 42.5%

thought ANSEPA was doing a good job. Suggestions on ways to improve solid waste

management included payment of fines for indiscriminate disposal (63%), payment of

fees for collection by ANSEPA (49%), and massive educational campaigns (4%). 22

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM:

“A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STRUCTURED TEACHING

PROGRAMME ON HAZARDS OF PLASTIC WASTE AND ITS SAFE DISPOSAL

AMONG ADOLOSCENTS IN A SELECTED PRE-UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT

BANGALORE.”

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the study are:

To assess the existing knowledge of pre-university students on hazards of

plastic waste and its safe disposal.

To assess the effectiveness of Structured teaching programme on hazards of plastic

waste and its safe disposal among pre university students.

To find the association of the knowledge level with selected demographic

variables such as age, sex, religion, education, economic background, occupation

housing pattern, family size ,methods of disposal of waste in house etc .

6.4

6.5

6.6

HYPOTHESIS

The hypothesis will be tested at 0.05 level of significance.

H 1: There will be significant increase in the knowledge score after

Structured teaching programme.

H 2: There will be significant association between the knowledge scores with

selected demographic variables like age, religion, education, economic background,

occupation housing pattern, family size, methods of disposal of waste in house etc .

OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS:

ASSESS

In this study it refers to determine the effect of Structured teaching

programme on hazards of plastic waste and its safe disposal as measured by the semi -

structured questionnaire on pre-university students

.

EFFECTIVENESS

In this study it refers to producing the desired or intended result of structured

teaching programme on hazards of plastic waste and its safe disposal as measured by the

instrument and shown by the post test scores of pre-university students.

STRUCTURED TEACHING PROGRAMME

It is a formal and specific teaching developed for pre-university students regarding

safe disposal and hazards of plastic wastes.

KNOWLEDGE

In this study it refers to the knowledge of selected pre-university

students about health hazards eg: cancer, bronchopneumonia etc, and environmental

hazards eg: air pollution ,water pollution etc, on plastic waste and its safe disposal,can

be measured through questionnaire.

PLASTIC WASTES

In this study plastic waste refers to the waste substance generated during the production

and usage of plastic materials and its substances

HAZARDSIn this study hazard is a situation that poses a level of threat to life, health, property,

or environment.

ASSUMPTIONS

pre-university students will have inadequate knowledge regarding hazards of

plastic waste and its safe disposal

Structured teaching programme on hazards of plastic waste and its safe disposal to

pre-university students will promote better plastic waste disposal strategies and

will reduce health hazards.

DELIMITATIONS:The study is delimited :

who knows kannada or English

6.7

6.8

6.9

7.0

waste materials other than plastics

Who are willing to participate in the study.

PROJECTED OUTCOME:

The present study will help the pre-university students to understand about

the hazards of plastic waste and its safe disposal and hence it will help to

promote better plastic waste disposal strategies and will reduce health

hazards .

MATERIALS AND METHODS

7.1 SOURCE OF DATA

The data will be collected from pre-university students who are studying in

11th and 12 th grade.

7.1.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

The research design adopted for this study is quasi experimental study.

RESEARCH APPROACH

The research approach is evaluative.

7.1.2 SETTING:

The study will be conducted in K.T.G pre-university college at Bangalore. It is 10

km away from the College.

7.1.3 POPULATION

The population selected are pre-university students

7.2 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

7.2.1 SAMPLING PROCEDURE

The Sampling Technique adopted for this study is simple randomized sample.

7.2.2 SAMPLE SIZE

The sample size is 60.

7.2.3 INCLUSION CRITERIA

The criteria for sample selection includes students are who

Willing to participate in the study.

Studying In 11th And 12th Grade

Knows Kannada or English language.

People available during study period.

7.2.4 EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Excluding plastic wastes.

Students excluding 11th And 12th Grade

Students not willing to participate.

Students who doesn’t know English and Kannada.

7.2.5 INSTRUMENT INTENDED TO BE USED

SELECTION OF TOOL

This consist of three parts :

PART 1 :consist of demographic variables such as age, sex, religion, education, economic

background, occupation housing pattern family size, methods of disposal of waste in

house , type of family, income etc

PART 2:Questionnaire will be used to assess the knowledge.25 Questions will be used.

PART 3:Structured teaching programme regarding safe disposal strategies and prevention

of plastic wastes hazards

SCORING PROCEDURE

For knowledge assessment

For Answers. If answer is yes 1 If answer is no 0

SCORING INTERPRETATIONGood :- 75-100%

Average :- 50-74.9%

Poor :- Below 49.9%

7.2.6 DATA COLLECTION METHOD

Prior permission will be obtained from the respective

authorities before conducting the study. Interview will be conducted between 10 am to

3 pm. Data will be collected from 5 samples per day. The duration will be 4 weeks. The

duration of study will be 30 minutes will be spent per each subject.

7.2.7 PILOT STUDY

6 Samples will be used to study the feasibility.

7.2.8 DATA ANALYSIS PLAN

The data obtained will be analyzed in view of the objectives of the study

using descriptive and inferential statistics.

The plan for data analysis was as follows: -

Frequencies and percentage of distribution will be used to analyze

the demographic data.

Mean, Median and Mode, Standard deviation is used for accessing

the knowledge scores.

Chi-square test to find out the association between knowledge

with selected demographic variables. The significant findings will

be experienced in tables, figures and graph.

DOES THE STUDY REQUIRE ANY INVESTIGATION OR

INTERVENTION TO BE CONDUCTED ON PATIENTS OR OTHER

HUMANS OR ANIMALS?

- No

HAS THE ETHICAL CLEARANCE BEEN OBTAINED FROM YOUR

INSTITUTION?

YES, Ethical clearance will be been obtained from the research committee

7.3

7.4

of college of nursing.

Consent will be taken from principal and permission will be taken from the

study subjects before the collection of data.

8.0 LIST OF REFERENCES

1 Elias, Hans-Georg ” An Introduction to Plastics”4th edition. Wiley & Weinheim

Publishers; (2003);pno 121.

2 Andrady, Anthony.” Plastics and the Environment” 6th edition . John Wiley & Sons;

(2003) ; pno 222.

3 Callan, Scott and Thomas.”Environmental Economics and Management ”

Environmental Health Journal ; (2006) June4 (2):59.

4 Vipin m vasighte.” Multitude of plastic users”. Indian Journal of Medical Sciences:

2010; Nov ;48 (8):46-55.

5 Kalpana Sunder “Plastics a Menace”. The Indian Journal On Environmental

Health.:2009;Jan 37(3): 119-137.

6 Richardson. E,et al.” Environment and Health”.Archives of Environmental Health

Journal .:2001;May;56(3):264-70.

7 Dave G,Etal.”Environmental Health Hazards”. Science Total Environmental Journal .:

2011; August;409(18):9-24.

8 Gregory MR.” Effects of Plastic Burning on Environment ”. Biological Science

Journal.: 2009 ; July;364(1526):2013-25.

9 Didyk B.M.,et al.” Combustion products of plastic ”. Environmental Science

Technology Journal:2005; September ;39(18):6961-70.

10 Lewis.R” Health issues in plastics production and processing”. Occupational

Medical Health Journal.:2009 ; October ; 14(4):777-96.

11 Tosti A. E,et al.” Occupational skin hazards from synthetic plastics”. Toxicoly Indian

Health Journal: 2003; May;9(3):493-502.

12 Wiberg GS.” Consumer Hazards of Plastics”. Environmental Health Perspective

Journal :2006; Oct;17:221-5.

13 Eckardt RE.” occupational and environmental health hazards in the plastics industry”.

Environmental Health Perspective Journal :2006; Oct;17:103-6.

14 Mario C. Flores” plastic Materials and Environmental Externalities”. Lethbridge

Undergraduate Research Journal: 2005;68(4):32-36.

15 Nayak Rao .” plastic waste management”. Indian Journal of Medical Sciences: 2011;

Aug ;36 (6):16-25.

16 Sivan A.” New perspectives in plastic biodegradation”. Current Opinion in

Biotechnology journal.: 2001; June;22 (3):422-620.

17 Chen X, Xi F, Geng Y,”potential environmental gains from recycling waste plastics”.

Waste Management journal: 2011; January; 31(1):168-79.

18 Agnihothra.V.” Guidelines for recycling of plastics”. Indian journal on Medicine:

2009; April; 26 (6):52-61.

19 Moinuddin Sarker, Mohammad Mamunor Rashid, and Mohammed Molla.”waste

plastic conversion into chemical products”.Journal of Fundamentals of Renewable Energy

and Applications:2001 ; Dec;5 (1):11-20.

20 O'Brine T, Thompson RC. ”Effects of plastic wastes on Marine Environment”. Marine

Pollution Bulletin;Dec 2010; 60(12):2279-83.

21 Huntley S .” Public Health Implication Of Household Solid Waste Management”. The

Internet Journal of Public Health :2005;mar; 37(1-3): 119-137

22 Chaggu EJ, Kaseva ME.” Effects of Open burning of Domestic wastes”. Dar es salaam

medical students' journal: 2010; january; 35(1): 170–171.

9. SIGNATURE OF THE CANDIDATE

10. REMARKS OF THE GUIDE

11. NAME AND DESIGNATION OF

11.1 GUIDE

11.2 SIGNATURE

11.3CO-GUIDE

11.4SIGNATURE

11.5 HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

11.6 SIGNATURE

12 12.1 REMARKS OF THE PRINCIPAL

12.2 SIGNATURE