The Impact of Synthetic Fibers on the Environment

What is a downside to synthetic fibers compared to natural fibers?

A. The longer lasting material is more difficult to break down.

B. The longer lasting material is less useful in manufacturing.

C. The longer lasting material is not able to withstand high temperatures.

D. The longer lasting material makes the fibers more expensive to buy.

Answer:

The longer lasting material is more difficult to break down.

Synthetic fibers, like plastic, are derived from organic compounds and have been chemically changed by humans to last longer and be more effective for various uses. These fibers are stronger than natural fibers such as cotton and wool. One of the downsides of synthetic fibers is that the longer lasting material is more difficult to break down compared to natural fibers.

Both natural and synthetic fibers are polymer materials, which are made by the agglomeration of small molecules called monomers. Natural fibers, unfortunately, are less long lasting than synthetic fibers, leading to difficulties in their decomposition. As a result, synthetic fibers contribute to environmental pollution problems due to their long-lasting nature.