Sir: The massive use of plastic bags is causing a big health issue. I want to invite our readers’ attention towards the figures of the use of plastic bags. Quoting from a research study, “Every year more than 500 billion plastic bags are used worldwide.” We are using one million plastic bags every minute, which is damaging our environment every second. It is very unfortunate and a very alarming situation. People mostly fling or burn these plastic bags on the ground and these burning bags become the sources of water, land and air pollution. They cause blockages in the sewerage systems and spread diseases in society. Plastic bags are made of various toxic chemicals and they do not decay even in 100 years. The chemicals used to make plastic bags are xylene, ethylene oxide and benzene. When these are burnt, all the chemicals are released into the air and they contaminate it, which further spread many perilous diseases among human beings and animals. We should not wait for the government and organisations to take action against these health hazards. Rather, we should do something to minimise the usage of plastic bags. It is each and every individual’s duty to protect their environment by showing responsible behaviour and making simple efforts that will surely reduce the level of pollution. MAHAM IMTIAZ Via Email