Endocrine Disruptors in Plastic Waste – A New Public Health Threat in India

Plastics, once hailed for their utility, have now become a biological hazard. India, the world’s largest plastic waste generator, is at the epicentre of a growing public health crisis, caused by microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that infiltrate the human body.

Key Health Concerns:

• Microplastics (particles <5 mm) detected in:

  • Blood (89% samples in India, 2024)

  • Lungs, heart, semen, breast milk, placenta, ovaries

  • Testicular tissue in Indian men has 3x more microplastics than in dogs.

• Common EDCs in Plastics:

  • BPA, BPS – Found in bottles, containers, receipts.

  • Phthalates (DEHP, DBP) – Present in toys, cosmetics, IV tubes.

  • PFAS – Found in non-stick cookware and packaging.

• Health Effects:

  • Hormonal disruption: Interference with estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones.

  • Reproductive dysfunction:

    • ↓ Testosterone and sperm count

    • Abnormal sperm morphology

    • Compromised egg quality and menstrual irregularities

    • ↑ Risk of miscarriage, PCOS, endometriosis

  • Cancer: Elevated risk of breast, uterine, prostate, testicular cancers.

  • Metabolic disorders: Obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, thyroid dysfunction.

Plastic Waste in India:

• Generates 9.3 million tonnes/year.

  • 5.8 million tonnes incinerated (releasing toxins)

  • 3.5 million tonnes pollute land, air, and water

• Residents in cities like Mumbai inhale up to 2,012 microplastic particles/day.

• Phthalates in drinking water in Delhi, Jabalpur, Chennai exceed EU safety limits.

• Doctors in Nagpur report rise in early puberty, obesity, learning disorders in children.

Policy & Regulation Gaps:

• Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, 2022, 2024) exist but enforcement is weak.

• Current laws don’t account for:

  • Low-dose, chronic exposure

  • Synergistic effects of EDCs

  • Vulnerability of pregnant women and children

Recommendations:

1. National biomonitoring of EDCs in blood, urine, breast milk.

2. Longitudinal studies on impacts on fertility, neurodevelopment, chronic illness.

3. Public education on:

   • Not microwaving in plastic.

   • Using alternatives (glass, steel, EDC-free).

   • Eating antioxidant-rich diets.

4. Policy measures:

   • Enforce plastic segregation and safe recycling.

   • Install microplastic filters in water plants.

   • Support biodegradable, non-toxic material development.

Plastic pollution is now a direct biological threat—triggering hormonal imbalance, reproductive harm, and chronic illness. With rising exposure levels, India faces a generational public health crisis. Urgent, science-based interventions and public awareness are essential to protect future generations.