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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.

July 2025
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