Today is World Environment Day: Plastic and hormones: Why women must rethink everyday choices
From storing leftovers to sipping bottled water on the go, plastics are part of daily life. But hidden within this convenience are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—substances that interfere with the body's natural hormone function. For women, who experience hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives, this interference can be particularly harmful. Common plastic-related EDCs like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are known to mimic or block estrogen and other hormones. They're present in everything from food packaging and containers to cosmetics, sanitary products, and household cleaners.
The Health Impact: Quiet but Serious
Research has linked prolonged exposure to these chemicals with a host of women's health issues: irregular periods, infertility, early puberty, PCOS, endometriosis, and even breast cancer. These aren't just isolated problems—they're growing public health concerns, worsened by continuous, low-level exposure over years.
'Endocrine-disrupting chemicals don't cause immediate symptoms, but their impact on the hormonal system can be profound and long-lasting, especially in women, who are hormonally more dynamic throughout life,' says Dr. Mahesh D M, Consultant – Endocrinology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore. 'Exposure during adolescence, pregnancy, or menopause can have lifelong consequences.'
Unlike obvious toxins, EDCs often build up silently. They enter the body through food, touch, or even the air, gradually affecting hormonal balance. The risks are especially high during vulnerable periods like pregnancy, adolescence, and menopause.
Environmental Harm Equals Hormonal Harm
Environmental degradation and personal health are more connected than ever. Plastics that pollute oceans and landfills also leak harmful chemicals into food chains—and our bodies. On World Environment Day, it's important to recognise that the environmental footprint of plastic isn't just ecological—it's biological.
'In urban settings, women are frequently exposed to plastics not just through food but also through personal care products, which may contain hormone-disrupting chemicals hidden behind vague ingredient labels,' he adds. Being aware of these sources is the first step to prevention.'
Women, especially in urban India, are at increased risk due to daily use of packaged goods, cosmetics, and plastic storage containers. The very products meant to offer ease and hygiene may be contributing to long-term health issues.
Everyday Actions for Safer Living
While complete avoidance of plastic is difficult, some small, mindful changes can go a long way in reducing exposure:
• Switch to glass or stainless-steel containers for storing food and drinking water.
• Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, even if they are labeled as microwave-safe.
• Opt for fragrance-free or organic personal care products, which are often more transparent about ingredients.
• Reduce consumption of canned or heavily packaged foods.
• Read product labels—especially on cosmetics and baby products.
These habits, once adopted, can not only protect hormonal health but also reduce the household's environmental footprint.
Awareness Leads to Empowerment
Most women make countless daily choices for their homes and families. By choosing safer products and spreading awareness, they can lead a powerful shift toward better health and sustainability.
On this World Environment Day, let's look beyond air pollution and climate change. Let's turn the lens inward—towards the products we use, the packaging we trust, and the long-term health consequences we rarely question.
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Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Are we breathing microplastics? Study reveals the shocking amount of plastic our homes and cars contain
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Using Raman micro-spectroscopy to analyze air samples from those residential apartments and car interiors, the scientists quantified how many plastic particles linger unseen in everyday environments. Their results were shocking: Apartments contained a median of 528 microplastic particles per cubic meter Cars contained up to 2,238 particles per cubic meter, nearly 4x more than homes Most alarmingly, over 90% of these particles were under 10 µm in diameter, small enough to penetrate deep into lung tissue, according to the study published in PLOS ONE . Based on ventilation and average breathing, particularly indoors where most people spend approximately 90% of their time, the team estimated adults inhale roughly 68,000 microplastic particles daily (1-10 µm range), plus another 3,200 particles in the larger 10-300 µm range. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo What are microplastics (and why are they harmful)? Microplastics are fragments of any type of plastic less than 5 mm (0.20 in) in length, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the European Chemicals Agency. US EPA researchers define microplastics, or MPs, as plastic particles ranging in size from 5 millimeters (mm), which is about the size of a pencil eraser, to 1 nanometer (nm). For comparison, a strand of human hair is about 80,000 nanometers wide. The study found that over 90% of indoor airborne microplastics were under 10 micrometers, fine enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream. Once inside, they can trigger: Inflammation Oxidative stress Cellular damage Disruption to the immune system Furthermore, microplastics often contain toxic additives like phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and heavy metals, which can leach into tissues and mimic hormones, contributing to fertility issues, metabolic disorders, and cancers. What happens if we breathe microplastics? Once we breathe microplastics through the air, particles under 10 µm bypass the body's natural defense mechanisms and lodge deep in the lungs after inhalation, where they may cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system disturbance. Studies show these plastic fragments can contain toxic additives like BPA or phthalates that may leach into tissues, worsening the health risks. Moreover, some studies have also detected microplastics in human brains and placentas, suggesting particles can travel through inhalation and accumulate in organs. Where do these indoor microplastics come from? Microplastics in indoor air come from a surprising variety of everyday sources, especially materials commonly found in homes and vehicles: Synthetic textiles and carpets (polyester, nylon, acrylic) Plastic packaging and containers Household dust Furniture and upholstery Dashboard and car interiors (PVC, ABS plastics) E ven simple activities like walking on carpets, folding laundry, or driving a car can release particles into the air. Over time, friction, heat, and degradation cause these materials to shed microscopic fibers and fragments, which linger in stagnant indoor environments. Why are cars even worse than homes? The study's finding that car interiors had the highest concentrations of airborne microplastics may be linked to confined space, heat, and heavy use of synthetic materials in upholstery and dashboards. Without proper ventilation, microplastics in cars can accumulate quickly. Since many people commute daily, extended exposure in enclosed vehicles may increase respiratory risks, especially for children and people with asthma or other lung conditions. The damaging effects of microplastics: Microplastics and nanoplastics can cause significant damage to living organisms, including humans, by triggering inflammation, oxidative stress, disrupting cellular processes, and potentially impacting various organs due to their ability to penetrate tissues and accumulate within the body, particularly when ingested or inhaled; this can lead to potential health issues like respiratory problems, digestive disorders, and reproductive complications depending on the exposure level and particle size. 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Hans India
10-07-2025
- Hans India
A toxic trigger: How plastics may be fuelling cancer
Bhubaneswar: In today's fast-paced world, plastics have become a part of our daily lives. From water bottles to baby feeding bottles, from food containers to grocery packaging -- plastic is everywhere. But hidden inside this convenience is a serious health threat that few are aware of -- Bisphenol A (BPA). What is BPA and Why Should You Care? Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is a chemical used in the production of certain types of plastic and resins. It is found in plastic water bottles and food containers, linings of canned foods and beverages, baby feeding bottles, thermal paper receipts, packaging materials, even some medical and dental devices. Why is BPA a concern? Because it behaves like estrogen — a hormone in our body — and disrupts the normal functioning of our endocrine (hormone) system. For this reason, BPA is called an 'endocrine disruptor'. How Does BPA Affect Our Health? Scientific studies have shown that BPA exposure may lead to a variety of health problems, including hormone-related cancers like breast and prostate cancer, infertility in both men and women, early puberty in girls, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, thyroid issues, brain and behaviour problems in children Even tiny amounts of BPA, when accumulated over time, can pose serious risks to our long-term health, especially for babies, children and pregnant women. Out of all these, the major concern is rising incidence of female breast cancer. As per recent statistics, it tops the chart of all cancers for women in India and in Odisha the threat is nothing less than ominous. The link between BPA and female breast cancer Since breast cancer tops the chart among females in India, the causative factors need to be discussed from plastics point of view. Even if there are many factors that are made responsible, no single factor can be pinned as the primary cause rather it is a complex interplay of factors that lead to continuously elevated estrogen level in the blood. Between 1990 and 2016, the age-standardised incidence rate of breast cancer among Indian women increased by approximately 39.1 per cent. This rise was observed across all States. In Mumbai, data from the Population-Based Cancer Registry indicated a significant increase in breast cancer incidence among older women (aged 50-74 years) from 1976 to 2005, with an estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of 1.6 per cent. Younger women (aged 25-49 years) also saw a notable rise, with an EAPC of 1.0 per cent. If we go by observation of plastic use and rise in female breast cancer incidence, roughly the timeline coincides too. Per capita plastic consumption rose from around 1 kg in the 1970s to approximately 13.6 kg by 2018, and further to about 15 kg by 2023. Plastic use has increased to almost 20 to 30-fold since 1970s due to urbanisation, industrialisation and industrial growth. How You Can Protect Yourself and Your Family: • Stop reusing plastic water bottles, especially if they are scratched or old. • Never pour hot liquids into polythene bags. Use stainless steel or glass instead. • Don't microwave food in regular plastic containers. Use BPA-free labelled containers only. • Check labels on baby bottles and switch to BPA-free alternatives, preferably steel or glass ones. • Avoid bottled water stored in sunlight, like those left in vehicles. • Prefer fresh food over canned food to reduce BPA exposure.
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Business Standard
09-07-2025
- Business Standard
Could your daily office chai be harming your hormones, making you sick?
A warm cup of tea, freshly delivered from the nearby tea stall straight to your desk in that familiar polythene pouch or flimsy plastic cup or the paper cup lined with plastic. Comforting? Sure. But here's a thought that might shake up your routine—what if this daily ritual is quietly messing with your hormones or increasing your long-term cancer risk? Dr Mohit Sharma, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology at Amrita Hospital, explained in an interview with Business Standard, 'When hot tea is poured into polythene bags or substandard plastic cups, harmful chemicals like phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA), and styrene monomers can leach into the beverage. These materials are not built to withstand high temperatures, and hot liquids above 60 degrees Celsius can cause them to degrade and shed into your drink.' Additionally, microplastics —tiny plastic particles increasingly found in food packaging—can find their way into your cup too. What health risks do BPA, phthalates, and microplastics pose? Dr Sharma said long-term, l ow-dose exposure to these substances—especially when you consume such tea 2–4 times a day—can slowly start affecting your health. 'Many of these compounds are endocrine disruptors, which means they mimic or interfere with hormones like oestrogen, testosterone, insulin, and thyroid hormones,' he said. Long-term consequences may include: Hormonal imbalances Reduced fertility Weight gain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes Increased risk of breast, prostate, and thyroid cancers 'Over time, these daily exposures can quietly add up, without you even realising it,' said Dr Sharma. Is there scientific evidence linking plastic-packed chai to cancer? While we don't yet have direct, large-scale human studies tracking tea consumption from plastic packaging to specific cancers, the science is concerning. Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Director of Surgical Oncology at CK Birla Hospital, explained, 'There is increasing evidence that hot beverages served in polythene or low-quality plastic cups may cause chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and microplastics to enter your body. These can increase oxidative stress, cause DNA damage, and lead to hormonal imbalances—all of which are potential cancer triggers.' He added that while randomised trials are lacking, cell-line studies and animal research strongly suggest these chemicals can contribute to cancer development and hormonal disorders. Are our food safety standards not enough? Technically, yes. India's Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations (2018) allow only food-grade plastics for packaging food and beverages. These include materials like Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), with strict limits on how much chemical migration is allowed into your food. 'In real-world setups, however—street vendors, local caterers, or even some office pantries—cheap, recycled, or non-compliant plastic is still widely used,' Dr Sharma warned. Most of the time, cost and lack of awareness override safety—especially in office delivery systems where tea is packed in bulk and transported in thin polythene bags or plastic containers. Ramesh, a 39-year-old tea seller, told Business Standard, 'It's about the cost and convenience mainly. A polythene pouch costs less than 50 paise. It's cheap and easily available, far more affordable than paper cups, thermocol, or eco-friendly containers. For bulk tea orders, that's what works best for us. It's spill-proof and saves our time as we can just deliver and don't have to serve each person.' 'No one ever told us that plastic bags with hot tea could be harmful. We've been doing this for years,' said Raju Singh, a 29-year-old roadside chaiwala in Delhi. Could repeated chai-in-plastic consumption be making you sick? 'Repeated exposure to hot beverages in plastic or polythene, even in small doses, can have a cumulative toxic effect,' said Dr Sharma. And office-goers might be at greater risk, simply because they're more likely to: Consume 2–4 cups of tea daily at work Ignore packaging quality for the sake of convenience Be exposed over years, not weeks How can you enjoy your tea without toxic exposure? It's not about quitting chai—it's about how you consume it. Both doctors agree: Avoid hot beverages in polythene or low-quality plastic Use ceramic, glass, or stainless steel mugs—preferably carry your own to work Encourage office pantries or vendors to use certified, food-grade, heat-resistant materials Ditch microplastic-lined paper cups too—they're not as innocent as they look 'Even old-school kulhad wali chai is a far safer and healthier option,' Dr Malhotra added. 'Earthenware, ceramic, and glass don't leach chemicals when exposed to heat. Getting back to our roots could save us a lot in the long run.'
