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Context:

Plastic pollution emerges as a public health crisis, particularly due to the infiltration of microplastic particles and Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) into the human body.  

What are Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)?

EDCs are chemicals that interfere with the body's endocrine (hormone) system. They can mimic or block natural hormones like estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol.

Mechanism of Action => EDCs interfere with hormone receptor binding, disrupt gene expression in reproductive organs, and induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Many common plastics contain EDCs as additives. Examples include:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) and BPS: Found in water bottles, food containers, and thermal paper.
• Phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP): Used to soften plastics and present in cosmetics, toys, and IV tubing.
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Found in food packaging and non-stick cookware.

Microplastics

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters. Initially considered inert, they are now recognized as biologically active.

Entry into the Body => Humans ingest and inhale microplastics daily through air, food, and water.

Presence in Human Tissues => Studies reveal widespread microplastic contamination in humans:

• A 2022 study detected microplastics in the blood of 80% of participants.
• A 2024 study in Nature Scientific Reports found microplastics in nearly 89% of Indian blood samples, with an average of 4.2 particles per milliliter.
• Microplastics are present in human lungs, hearts, placentas, breast milk, ovarian follicular fluid, and semen.

Implications for Human Health

Reproductive Health Crisis

• Male Fertility => Recent studies from China and India link microplastics in semen to reduced sperm count, concentration, and motility. Exposure to BPA and phthalates is associated with lower testosterone levels and elevated luteinizing hormone (LH), indicating endocrine disruption.
  • A 2023 study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found a strong correlation between microplastic levels in semen and decreased sperm quality in Chinese men. In India, average sperm count has declined by 30% over the past two decades.
• Female Fertility => Microplastics found in follicular fluid (from women undergoing fertility treatment) compromise egg quality. EDCs are linked to menstrual irregularities, reduced estradiol levels, and increased miscarriage risk. Epidemiological studies connect phthalate and BPA exposure to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.

Cancer Risk => The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies several plastic additives as probable human carcinogens. Case-control studies from India show women with elevated DEHP levels in urine face nearly a threefold increased risk of breast cancer. Exposure to BPA and phthalates also correlates with higher incidences of prostate, uterine, and testicular cancers.

Metabolic Disorders => EDCs mimic cortisol, alter insulin sensitivity, and promote fat storage, contributing to obesity and type 2 diabetes. PFAS exposure is associated with metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid dysfunction.

Developmental Issues => In cities like Nagpur, doctors report increasing cases of early puberty, respiratory problems, obesity, and learning disorders in children, increasingly linked to plastic pollution.

Concern

Plastic Waste Burden => India generates over 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. Around 5.8 million tonnes are incinerated (releasing toxic gases), and 3.5 million tonnes pollute the environment.

High Exposure Levels => Residents in Indian cities like Mumbai are exposed to an estimated 382 to 2,012 microplastic particles daily through air, food, and water. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) detected phthalate concentrations in drinking water samples from Delhi, Jabalpur, and Chennai exceeding European Union safety limits.

Vulnerable Populations => The poorest populations, residing near waste dumps or working in informal recycling, bear a disproportionate burden of exposure and health impacts.

Policy Gaps => Despite progressive policies like the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, updated in 2022 and 2024), enforcement remains inconsistent. Current regulations do not adequately address the low-dose effects or complex interactions of EDCs, nor do they account for the specific vulnerabilities of children and pregnant women.

Economic Burden => The health burden from EDCs in India costs over ₹25,000 crore annually due to increased healthcare spending and lost productivity. Globally, the U.S. incurs $250 billion annually in healthcare costs linked to plastic-related chemicals.

Way Forward

Biomonitoring and Surveillance => Establish national programs to measure EDC levels in human samples (blood, urine, breast milk) for continuous monitoring. Fund long-term research to assess the health impacts of EDC exposure on fertility, neurodevelopment, and chronic diseases in Indian populations.

Public Awareness and Behavior Change => Educate the public on the risks of microwaving food in plastic containers and promote the use of safer alternatives like glass, stainless steel, and EDC-free products. Encourage antioxidant-rich diets to counteract oxidative stress.

Waste Management => Enforce stricter plastic segregation, recycling, and safe disposal practices. Invest in microplastic filtration systems for water treatment plants.

Incentivize Innovation => Support and incentivize the development and adoption of biodegradable, non-toxic materials to reduce dependence on plastics containing EDCs.

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Source: 

The Hindu