Endocrine disruptors in plastic waste: a new public health threat

Microplastics: An Invisible, Bioactive Threat

• Definition: Microplastics are plastic fragments <5 mm in size; once considered inert, now recognized as biologically active pollutants.
• Alarming Presence in Human Body:
  • Found in blood (89% of Indian samples), lungs, heart, semen, placenta, ovarian follicular fluid, and breast milk.
  • Indian men’s testicular tissue had 3x more microplastics than dogs.
  • Urban exposure (e.g., Mumbai): 382–2012 microplastic particles/day via air, water, and food.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology-Pollution)

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in Plastics

• Common EDCs:
  • BPA & BPS – found in bottles, containers.
  • Phthalates (DEHP, DBP) – used in cosmetics, toys, IV tubing.
  • PFAS (Forever Chemicals) – in packaging, non-stick cookware.
• Mechanisms of Harm:
  • Mimic/block hormones like estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, thyroid.
  • Interfere with receptor binding, alter gene expression, induce oxidative stress & apoptosis.

Reproductive & Developmental Disruption

• Male Fertility:
  • Microplastics reduce sperm count, motility, and morphology.
  • Testosterone disruption, elevated LH levels – signs of endocrine imbalance.
• Female Fertility:
  • Microplastics in ovarian fluid linked to:
    • Lower egg quality
    • Reduced estradiol levels
    • Higher miscarriage risk
  • Linked to PCOS, endometriosis, spontaneous abortions.

Cancer & Chronic Disease Link

• Carcinogenic Risk:
  • IARC classifies several plastic additives as probable carcinogens.
  • DEHP linked to 3x higher risk of breast cancer in Indian women.
  • Also linked to prostate, testicular, and uterine cancers.
• Metabolic Disorders:
  • EDCs mimic cortisol, alter insulin sensitivity → obesity, type 2 diabetes.
  • PFAS linked to cardiovascular disease, thyroid dysfunction, metabolic syndrome.

India’s Alarming Plastic Footprint

• Plastic Waste: India generates 9.3 million tonnes/year:
  • 5.8 million tonnes incinerated (releases toxins)
  • 3.5 million tonnes pollute the environment
• Poorest communities (near landfills/recycling sector) worst hit by exposure.

Public Health Costs & Governance Gaps

• Economic Burden:
  • India: ₹25,000+ crore/year due to health costs and productivity loss.
  • Global (U.S.): $250 billion/year, as per Endocrine Society.
• Policy Gaps:
  • Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, 2022, 2024) exist but enforcement is weak.
  • Current laws don’t address low-dose EDC effects or vulnerable populations (e.g., pregnant women, children).

Emerging Science: Ageing & Bio-Monitoring (BHARAT Project)

• BHARAT Study (IISc):
  • Tracks biomarkers of healthy ageing in Indians.
  • Aims to build India-specific health indicators due to genetic, environmental, lifestyle differences.
  • Uses AI/ML models to interpret complex data and simulate interventions.

Recommendations & Systemic Solutions

Short-Term

• Enforce existing rules, plug regulatory gaps.
• Ban or restrict hazardous additives (BPA, phthalates, PFAS).
• Educate public on EDC exposure (e.g., microwaving plastic).
• Promote safe alternatives – glass, stainless steel, EDC-free packaging.

Medium-Term

• Fund longitudinal studies, national EDC biomonitoring.
• Build India-specific threshold levels for EDCs and ageing biomarkers.
• Prioritise waste segregation, safe disposal, and recycling infrastructure.

Long-Term

• Incentivize biodegradable materials, circular economy models.
• Invest in microplastic filtration for water treatment.
• Integrate plastic pollution into national health policy.