Plastics – The Silent Epidemic

What is it that we use the most nowadays and has become an integral part of our lifestyle? It’s the

BIG P i.e. PLASTICS.

We all know, have read and are well aware of the harmful effects of this man made, wonderful polymer called plastic. In today’s times, plastic is the biggest threat to the environment.  It contributes hugely to the bulk of non-biodegradable garbage. In fact, it adds color to the heaps of garbage, pink, yellow, green, blue polythenes seen as toppings on garbage. It’s a threat to the animals digging in for food in the litter, it blocks and clogs the water channels and so on… Besides these environmental hazards, plastics and polythenes have a big impact on our health too.

The compounds used in the manufacturing of these plastic goods, leach harmful chemicals like BPA, BPS, phthalates, furans, mercury, lead and antimony into food, beverages and environment.

Now the question is, how do these plastics affect human health?

We can’t deny the fact that plastic is another name for convenience. It has made our lives comfortable, light and easy to carry. But at what cost!!!

To make plastic more durable and useable, a chemical, Bisphenol A is added to it. Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor. It mimics estrogen, the predominant female hormone. It, therefore, interferes with the female endocrine system. The effects can be seen in the form of disturbed menstrual cycles, heavy periods, polycystic ovaries, ovarian cysts and obesity. Plastic use also silently contributes to rising cases of infertility. Besides these, one major effect is precocious puberty leading to early menarche i.e. early onset of periods in girls. Early menarche is a real bothersome issue as it leads to multiple problems like physical, emotional and social concerns.

Bisphenol A, being an endocrine disruptor, also affects thyroid and pancreatic functions.

Long and continuous exposure to plastics has negative impact on nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Immunity is also compromised on continuous exposure to plastics.

Bisphenol A has also been linked to cancers especially breast cancer and prostatic malignancy in males. This risk is enhanced when one-time use plastic containers are used in microwave ovens for heating food.

Bisphenol A used in plastic packaging and in linings of food and beverage cans, may be passed from mother to her offspring during pregnancy and may cause behavioral changes in the offspring or cause changes in the gut flora of the offspring.

To summarize, the use of plastics is a downhill journey of health.

However, it is almost impossible to avoid the use of plastics completely, but the use of this polymer can definitely be minimized. There are definitely a few big don’ts for plastic use.

• Never use disposable plastic containers for storage of
• Never use take away plastic containers in microwave. Heating leaches away Bisphenol A in the food.
• Acidic foods and hot liquids must be completely avoided in
• Avoid using plastic straws for drinking beverages and plastic spoons for eating.

One way to know as to which plastics are safer than the others is by checking the plastic ID code on the bottom of the item, which is a number enclosed in a triangle. Number 3 and 6 plastic items must be completely avoided at all costs, never to be used for food and beverages. Plastics with numbers 1,2,4,5 and 7 should be used with caution.

Zealous efforts should be made to avoid the use of plastics in our day to day lives.

• Always carry jute or cotton bags for shopping.
• Prefer fresh shopping, avoid canned food and beverages as chemicals leach from linings of tinned cans
• Store, reheat or freeze leftovers in glass containers
• Use stainless steel water bottles for carrying water. Avoid mineral water in plastic bottles .
• Children should be given stainless steel lunch boxes and water bottles.

To conclude, plastic which was invented as a blessing is now growing as a threat to all. It is adversely affecting every stage of life, from fetal stage to adulthood and our mother nature too. It’s like a silent killer gradually seeping into our systems.

 The seriousness of the situation has to be understood by each and every individual, only then we can win this battle. On this Independence Day, our honorable Prime Minister also appealed to the nation to refrain from using plastic.

So, let’s all join hands and work together to make our environment plastic free.