Plastic pollution has evolved from an environmental concern to a biological invasion, as microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) infiltrate human bodies, posing serious health risks.
- A 2022 study by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam detected microplastics in the blood of 80% of human participants.
- A 2024 study in Nature Scientific Reports found microplastics in 89% of blood samples in India, averaging 4.2 particles/ml.
- A 2023 study in Food and Chemical Toxicology showed low-dose exposure to polystyrene microplastics:
- Reduced testosterone.
- Impaired sperm production.
- Damaged the blood-testis barrier.
What are Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)?
- These are substances in the environment (air, soil, or water supply), food sources, personal care products, and manufactured products that interfere with the normal function of your body’s endocrine system.
About Microplastics
- Microplastics are small pieces of plastic, less than 5 mm (0.2 inch) in length.
- Microplastics are no longer considered inert; they are biologically active.
- Microplastics have also been detected in lungs, hearts, placentas, breast milk, ovarian fluid, and semen.
- India generates 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually.
- 5.8 million tonnes incinerated (releasing toxins).
- 3.5 million tonnes pollute the environment.
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- Common Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in Plastics
- Bisphenol A (BPA) and BPS: Found in bottles, containers, thermal paper.
- Phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP): Present in cosmetics, toys, IV tubing.
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Found in food packaging and non-stick cookware.
- These chemicals mimic or block hormones (estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol) and disrupt gene expression, causing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death.
About Microplastics
- Microplastics are small pieces of plastic, less than 5 mm (0.2 inch) in length.
- Microplastics are no longer considered inert; they are biologically active.
- Microplastics have also been detected in lungs, hearts, placentas, breast milk, ovarian fluid, and semen.
Impact of Microplastics
- Growing Fertility Crisis:
- In India, studies have documented a 30% decline in average sperm count over the past two decades.
- In women, BPA and phthalates are associated with PCOS, endometriosis, and spontaneous abortion, as per Advances in Pharmacology (2021) and Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2023).
- BPA and phthalates are tied to lower testosterone and higher LH levels.
- Carcinogenic: Women with high DEHP, or di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate levels had nearly a 3x higher breast cancer risk (OR = 2.97).
- BPA and phthalates are linked to prostate, uterine, and testicular cancers.
- Other Health Risks:
- EDCs mimic cortisol and affect insulin, promoting obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- PFAS exposure is tied to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid dysfunction, per a 2024 Frontiers in Public Health study.
- Economic Impact: In India, EDC-related health costs exceed ₹25,000 crore/year, driven by healthcare and productivity losses.
Challenge
- Despite updates to the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, 2022, 2024), enforcement remains weak and the rules overlook low-dose endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) effects, especially for children and pregnant women.
Recommendations
- Biomonitoring and surveillance of EDCs in blood, urine, breast milk.
- Fund long-term studies on fertility, chronic disease, and neurodevelopment.
- Promote public awareness:
- Avoid microwaving food in plastic.
- Use glass, stainless steel, EDC-free products.
- Encourage antioxidant-rich diets to counter oxidative stress.
- Enforce plastic segregation, recycling, safe disposal.
- Invest in microplastic filters for water treatment.
- Incentivise biodegradable, non-toxic materials.
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