THE PLASTIC THREAT TO HUMAN HEALTH

THE PLASTIC THREAT TO HUMAN HEALTH

PROF DR.M.A.ALEEM M.D., D.M.,(NEURO) EMERITUS PROFESSOR THE TAMILNUDU DR.M.G.R. MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

PAST PRESIDENT TAMILNADU PONDICHERY ASSOCIATION OF NEUROLOGISTS

FORMER OF VICE PRINCIPAL HOD& PROFESSOR OF NEUROLOGY KAPV GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE& MGM GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL

CONSULTANT NEUROLOGIST AND EPILEPTOLOGIST (TRAINED AT INSTITUTION OF NEUROLOGY QUEEN`S SQUARE . LONDON.UK.) ABC HOSPITAL, ANNAMALAI NAGAR , TRICHY -620018

SECRETARY NEUROLOGIST ASSOCIATION TIRUCHIRAPPALLYdrmaaleem@hotmail.comCell.94431-59940

In addition to creating safety problems during production many chemical additives that give plastic products desirable performance properties also have negative environmental and human health effect. These effects include.

Direct toxicity as in the cases of lead cadmium and mercury

Carcinogens as in the case of diethylhexyl phthalate(DEHP)

Endocrine disruption which can lead to cancers, birth defects immune system supression and developmental problems in children.

Chemical Migration from plastic packaging into contents

People are exposed to these chemicals not only during manufacturing but also by using plastic package because some chemicals migrate from the plastic packaging to the foods they contain. Examples of plastics contaminating food have been reported with most plastic types including styrene from polystyrene plasticizer from PVC antioxidants from polyethylene and Acetaldehyde from PET.

Among the factors controlling migration are the chemical structure of the migrants and nature of the packaged food . In studies cited in food Additives and contaminants LDPE HDPE, and polypropylene bottles released measurable levels of BHT Chimassorb 81, lrganox PS800, lrganox 1076 and lrganox 1010 into their contents of vegetable oil and ethanol.Evidence was also found that acetaldehyde migrated out of PET and into water.

Problems with Plastics:-

The billions upon billions of items of plastic waste choking our oceans , lakes, and rivers and piling up on land is more than unsightly and harmful to plants and wildlife. Plastic pollution is a very real and growing threat to human health.

The following 10 facts shed light on how plastic is proving dangerous to human health.

A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Produced by the US Centers for Disease control and Prevention conclided

Bisphenol A also known as BPA ,used to make billions of plasstic beverage containers, dinnerware, protective linings of food cans and toys, is considered an endocrine disruptor , meaning it can both decrease or increase endoccrine activity in humans and cause adverse health effects.that BPA was found in 93% of urine samples taken from people above the age of six .

Based on the weight of existing evidence, it is likely that elevated urinary BPA s are associated with prostate cancer in humans and may be an independent diagnostic marker in prostate cancer patients.

Some animal studies have indicated adverse effects of BPA on newborns and fetuses.

Breast milk of most women in the developed world contains dozens of compounds including BPA that have been linked to negative health effects.

Growing literature links shows that many phthalates which are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break with a variety of adverse outcomes including weight gain and insulin resistance decreased levels of sex hormones and other consequences for the human reproductive system both for females and males.

When food is wrapped in plastic containing BPA , phthalates may leak into the food. Any migration is likely to be greater when in contact with fatty foods such as meats and cheeses than with other foods.

In general it is not recommended to heat food in plastic containers it in advised not to reuse margarine tubs, out containers, whipped topping bowls, and other one-time use containers, which are more likely to melt and cause chemicals to leach into food.

The label BPA – free in a container of bottle doesn ' t mean a product is free from other harmful chemical compounds that are slightly different but have a different name.

plastic common Uses Adverse Health Effects

Toxic Chemicals in plastics

Common Uses of Plastic items

Adverse Health Effects of plastics

Polyvinylchloride (PVC)

Food Packaging, plastic wrap, containers for toiletries cosmetics, crib bumpers floor tiles , Pacifiers ,shower curtains, toys, water pipes, garden hoses, auto upholstery, inflatable swimming pools

can cause cancer , birth defects , genetic changes , chronic bronchitis ulcers, skin diseases , deafness , vision failure, indigestion , and liver dysfunction

Phthalates (DEHP ,DINP, and Others)

Softened vinyl products manufactured with Phthalaes include vinyl clothing, emulsion paint, footwear, printing inks , non-mouthing toys and children ' s products , product packaging and food wrap ,vinyl flooring , blood bags and tubing ,IV containers and components, surgical gloves, breathing tubes , general purpose labware , inhalation masks, many other medical devices.

Endocrinne disruption linked to asthma , developmental and reproductive effects. Medical waste with PVC and pthalates is regulary incinerated causing public health effects from the relese of dioxins and mercury, including cancer, birth defects, hormonal changes, declining sperm counts,infertility, endometriosis ,and immune system impairment.

Polycarbonate, witrh Bisphenol A

Water bottles

Scientists have linked very low doses of bisphenol A exposure to cancers, impaired immune function , early onset of puberty , obestes , and hyperactivity .

Polystyrene

Many food containers for meats, fish , cheeses, yogurt , foam and clear clamshell containers , foam and rigid plates, clear bakery containers , packaging" peaanuts", foam packaging, audio cassette housings,CD cases,disposable cutlery, building insulation, flotaion devices , ice buckets wall tile, paints, serving trays throw -away hot drink cups toys

can irritate eyes nose and throat and can cause dizziness and unconsciousness. Migrates into food and stores in body fat . Elevated rates of lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers for workers.

Polyethelyne(PET)

Water and sode bottles, carpet fiber chewing gum coffee stirrers drinking glasses ,food containers and wrappers, heat-sealed plastic packaging kitchenware, plastic carry bags milk bottles squeeze bottles  shampoo bottles, toys

suspected human carcinogen

Polyester

Bedding ,clothing ,disposable diapers ,food packaging ,tampons ,upholstery

Can cause eye and respiratory – tract irritation and acute skin rashes

Urea -formaldehyde

Particle board plywood building insulastion fabric finishes

Formaldehyde is a suspected carcinogen and has been shown to cause birth defects and genetic changes. Inhaling formaldehyde can cause cough ,swelling of the thorat watery eyes ,breathing problems ,headaches rashes tiredness

Polyurethane

Foam cushinns ,mattresses, pillows

Bronchitis, coughing ,skin and eye problems. Can release toluene disocyanate which can produce severe lung problems

Acrylic

Clothing blankets carpets made from acrylic fibers, adhesives ,contact lenses, dentures ,floor waxes, food preparation equipment, disposable diapers ,sanitary napakins, paints

Can cause breathing difficulties ,vomiting, diarrhea, nausea weakness, headache and fatigue

Tetrafluoro – ethelyne

Non-stick coating on cookware, clothes Irons, ironing board covers, plumbing and tools

Can irritate eyes, nose and throat and can cause breathing difficulties

Plastic’s Health Risks for Women

The chemicals in BPA in particular act similarly to oestrogen and, in the long run, can possibly interfere with women’s hormonal balance and affect reproduction. Research has also linked BPA to breast cancer in animals along with obesity, thyroid issues and neurologic disorders in humans.

Plastic’s Health Risks for Children

The World Health Organization has shown that exposure to high concentrations of Phthalates and BPA during pregnancy can lead to the child experiencing lung problems or being more likely to develop asthma later in life. In children the high exposure to these chemicals has been linked to increased insulin resistance and elevated blood pressure. New York University School of Medicine has stated that this could be playing an important part in the epidemic of childhood obesity and diabetes as well as linked to negative effects for the heart and kidneys.

Plastic’s Health Risks for Men

Although negative effects have been shown to primarily affect women and children, men are not immune to them. According to the same WHO study as mentioned above, men’s risk of prostate cancer can increase significantly if they are often in contact with these chemicals. And similarly as in women, their reproductive abilities can be compromised.

Critical impact of plastics 

Plastic has become an indispensable material in modern society. Worldwide, one million plastic bags and one million plastic bottles are used every minute.

 About 50% of our plastic use is single use (disposable) and it constitutes 10% of the total waste generated. More than 9.1 billion tons of plastic are said to have been “manufactured since the material was initially mass-produced in the 1950s. In 2015, scientists said that “of the nearly 7 billion tons of plastic waste generated, only 9% was recycled, 12% incinerated, and 79% accumulated in landfills or the environment.

Plastics in India

India is the global host of 2018 World Environment Day. The theme for this year is 'beat plastic pollution

In India, which accounts for almost 18% of the world population in 2.4% of the global land area, the accumulation of plastic waste is huge. An estimate in 2015 revealed that 60 cities across the country generated over 15,000 tonnes of plastic waste every day. Even if plastic is a convenient alternative, it is a difficult substance for nature to digest.

Plastics in Oceans

Each year, 13 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans. A study revealed that 20 rivers (mostly from Asia) carry two-thirds of plastic waste to the ocean; the Ganga’s contribution to this is one of the highest. Researchers exploring the Arctic have found very high levels of microplastics trapped in the ice. Last year, a plastic spoon was found in the remains of a whale shark off Rameswaram. Experts explained that whale sharks are filter feeders and like to swallow everything floating in the sea. The economic impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems through fisheries and tourism losses and beach cleaning-up costs is estimated to be around $13 billion per year.

Plastics on Land

Plastic disposed of on land degrades slowly and its chemicals leach into the surroundings. Drinking water samples analysed from 14 countries, including India, revealed that 83% have micro-plastics concentrations. According to a United Nations Environment Programme report, the overall annual natural capital cost of plastic use in the consumer goods sector is $75 billion.

India produces over 62 million tonnes of solid waste every year, of which only 43 million tonnes is collected, only 12 million tonnes treated and the rest dumped. According to the experts, the figure is expected to rise to 436 million tonnes by 2050. 

"There is a huge issue of waste management in India and everyone can see that; we went from train to Agra from Delhi and we saw. There was plastic all over the rails, that's a problem," he said, highlighting the "big need" to manage that. 

Speaking of plastic waste alone, approximately 900,000 tonnes of PET -- used to make soft drink bottles, furniture, carpet, paneling, etc. -- was produced in India in 2015-16, as reported by the National Chemical Laboratory. 

About 25,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated evey year in India, of which only 60 per cent, according to Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, is recycled. Delhi with 689.52 tonnes tops the chart of plastic waste followed by Chennai (429.39 tonnes), Mumbai (408.27 tonnes), Bengaluru (313.87 tonnes) and Hyderabad (199.33 tonnes). 

Plastic  in Tamilnadu

In Tamilnadu, Chennai generates 429 tonnes of plastic waste per day ,second only to Delhi (689 tonnes) in India.

Tamil Nadu Government has banned use of plastic products from January 2019. This decision has been taken to gift a plastic-free state to future generations.

In 2002, former Tamil Nadu chief minister late Jayalalithaa held a broom made of jute to demonstrate that it was better than a plastic broom.Jayalalithaa was accompanied by then chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control board to the event that offered the perfect setting to spread awareness on pollution caused by plastic.

The Tamilnadu state government had introduced the Tamil Nadu Plastic Articles (Prohibition of sale, storage, transport and use) Bill, the first piece of legislation by any state government in India to curb the menace of plastic waste in 2002.The bill introduced by Jayalalithaa faced stiff opposition in the assembly. It had to be referred to a select committee for further recommendations.

Sixteen years after Jayalalithaa's failed attempts, the Tamil Nadu government on June 2018 announced a ban on manufacture, sales, storage and use of disposable plastic across state, effective from January 1, 2019

However, the ban excludes using disposable plastic for essential commodities like packaging milk, curd, oil and medical utilities.

This is not the first time when Tamil Nadu will impose the ban. The Chennai Corporation in 2015 had enforced a strict ban on plastic bags and other polymer based items with a thickness of less than 40 microns. 

In Trichy city

The Tiruchi Corporation has planned to strictly enforce a ban on products made of plastics, less than 50 microns, in the city limit from January 26  Republic Day of 2018.

The sale of plastic carry bags, non-recyclable plastics and use and throw cups would not be allowed  and similarly, manufacturing, storing and selling of plastics less than 50 microns would also be banned in Trichy city. It is also advised that the shopkeepers, who wanted to sell plastic with more than 50 micron should pay the requisite fee to register themselves with the Corporation.it is also imposed that the violators would be slapped with fine as per the 2016 rules in Trichy city. 

In Tiruchirappalli District

First in Tiruchirappalli district Ponnampatti town panchayat (Thuvarankurichi) has eradicated plastics and for that it  has received ISO 9001-2015 certified award .

Tips for safer, more sustainable use of Plastics-

Beware of cling wraps especially for microwave use.

Avoid Plastic bottled water.

Minimize the use of canned foods and canned drinks .

Purchase baby bottles and sippy cups or glass options.

Bring your own cloth bags to the grocery store or any store.

Don' t buy beverages bottles in Plastic.

Carry your own reusable steel or ceramic beverage container.

Don' t buy convenience foods Packages in Plastic.

Buy bread from bakeries that Package in paper.

Buy laundry detergent in boxes, not liquid in Plastic Containers.

Buy farm fresh eggs in reusable paper containers.

Package your leftovers in corning ware.

Store all your food in glass containers instead of Plastic containers.

Buy bulk cereal ; bring your own paper bags.

Compost your trash; reduce your use of plastic trash bags.

Line small trash bins in your house with paper bags.

Use cloth rags for clean up around the house.

Use matches instead of Plastic encased lighters.

Use cloth napkins. They reduce your waste and use of Plastic rtash bags.

Use baby bottles made of glass.

Use rechargeable batteries to reduce buying batteries packaged in Plastic.

Make a compost heap to reduce your food waste and put it bact into the earth.

Use a reusable cloth bag to carry your lunch to work or school.

Spread the word , tell people about the harmful chemicals in Plastic and help reduce plastic.

Recommendations

Buy food in glass or metal containers; avoid polycarbonate drinking bottles with Bisphenol

Avoid heating food in plastic containers or storing fatty foods in plastic containers or plastic wrap.

Do not give young children plastic teethers or toys

Use natural fiber clothing bedding and furniture

Avoid all PVC and styrene products

Buy food in glass or metal containers