New public health risk: plastic trash endocrine disruptors

• Microplastics, smaller than 5mm, are now recognized as biologically active, affecting hormone systems, reproductive health, and susceptibility to chronic diseases.
  • Microplastics are found in 80% of human participants’ blood and 89% of blood samples in India.
  • These chemicals mimic or block natural hormones, disrupt gene expression, induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
  • Microplastics have been linked to reduced sperm count, concentration, and motility, and male subfertility.
  • Exposure to phthalates and BPA has been linked to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and spontaneous abortions.
  • The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies several plastic additives as probable human carcinogens.
  • Exposure to BPA and phthalates has been linked to higher incidences of prostate, uterine, and testicular cancers.
  • EDCs have been implicated in metabolic disorders, contributing to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
  • India generates over 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, with 5.8 million tonnes incinerated and 3.5 million tonnes polluting the environment.
  • The health burden associated with EDCs in India is staggering, costing over ₹25,000 crore annually due to increased healthcare spending and lost productivity.
  • Biomonitoring and surveillance are crucial for establishing national programs that measure EDC levels in blood, urine, and breast milk.
  • Longitudinal studies must be funded to assess the health impacts of EDC exposure on fertility, neurodevelopment, and chronic diseases.
  • Public awareness needs to be improved, and behavior changes should be encouraged, such as educating people on the risks of microwaving food in plastic containers and promoting the use of glass, stainless steel, and EDC-free alternatives.
  • Further actions should include enforcing plastic segregation, recycling, safe disposal, investing in microplastic filtration systems for water treatment plants, and incentivizing the development of biodegradable, non-toxic materials.