Latest news with #BisphenolA
Hans India
3 days ago
- Health
- 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
3 days ago
- Health
- 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.'
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Business Standard
02-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Why your office coffee cup and lunch box may raise heart disease risks
Your water bottles, food containers, packaging, tea or coffee cups—how many plastic items have you already used today? Plastic is everywhere in modern office life, often without a second thought. But these daily habits may be exposing you to chemicals that harm your heart. 'It's nearly impossible to imagine life without plastic in today's world, and so it is important to know and understand the immediate health risks associated with it,' said Dr Jyoti Kusnur, Consultant - Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Goa. The hidden threat: What is BPA and why should you worry? The main concern is Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic compound found in many plastic products. Dr Kusnur explained that BPA is an endocrine disruptor, meaning it interferes with your hormones—and when hormones go haywire, the heart can suffer. In addition to BPA, microplastics and nanoplastics—tiny particles resulting from plastic breakdown— enter our food chain and, ultimately, our bodies. These can trigger thyroid dysfunction and other hormonal disorders. How BPA affects your heart, according to doctors According to Dr Mahesh Agarwal, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar, exposure to BPA and similar chemicals may: Disrupt blood pressure regulation Alter cholesterol levels Trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, which damages arteries These changes raise the risk of hypertension, artery blockages, and other cardiovascular conditions. Where does plastic exposure come from at work? Common workplace sources of BPA and plastic exposure include: Plastic-wrapped snacks Tea/coffee in disposable or plastic-lid cups Reused or sun-exposed water bottles Personal care and cosmetic products Office dust and even medical devices Smart swaps to reduce daily BPA exposure Dr Agarwal recommended small changes for safer daily habits: Avoid microwaving food in plastic—use glass or stainless steel Choose BPA-free and phthalate-free products Never drink from plastic bottles left in the sun Opt for eco-friendly packaging whenever possible 'These small lifestyle tweaks can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and help protect your heart,' Dr Agarwal said. India's plastic problem: From use to disposal Dr Kusnur noted India's overdependence on single-use plastic and poor disposal habits as major public health concerns. Burning plastic waste, common in urban areas, releases toxic fumes that worsen air quality and raise health risks. What experts say needs to change Broader public awareness about plastic-related health risks Stronger rules against single-use plastic Accessible recycling and buyback systems 'Being aware of where plastic seeps into your routine is the first step toward protecting your heart. Small changes today can lead to safer, healthier habits tomorrow,' Dr Agarwal concluded. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
Courier-Mail
01-07-2025
- Health
- Courier-Mail
Are receipts really toxic? We asked a doctor
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Many people online will tell you paper receipts are toxic to touch. We logged off and asked a doctor how concerned we should be about holding our grocery store dockets. We all know someone who refuses to touch paper receipts. Whether a result of a sensory issue or the fear spread online about the toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) on the thermal paper, people are hesitant to accept their dockets from sales assistants. So, should we all be grabbing our receipts with tongs like creators on TikTok? X SUBSCRIBER ONLY What is BPA? A key selling point of countless plastic food containers, baby bottles, food products, and even pet food, what does 'BPA free' actually mean? Bisphenol A has been used in the production of many plastics and resins since the 1950s, according to Mayo Clinic, including those used to make containers, bottles, cans, and bottle lids. Some research has shown the chemical can seep into foods and drinks from packaging. Some research has shown the chemical can seep into foods and drinks from packaging. Image: iStock With the word 'toxic' tacked on to the term more and more, we paused the scary videos online, and spoke to an expert to figure out if we really need gloves or tongs if we're going to be holding a receipt. Dr Michela Sorensen tells Body+Soul BPA 'has been shown to be an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can disrupt certain hormones if consumed in high doses. This can potentially lead to fertility issues, diabetes, obesity and cancer.' What are the risks of touching your receipt? Before you miss out on a refund because you left a store without proof of purchase, according to the GP, our fears may be misplaced. If simply held as one normally would, handling receipts will not cause any health issues. Image: Pexels 'The reality is that the doses in receipts are so small that, if simply held as one normally would, handling receipts will not cause any health issues', she said. 'In the context of BPA in receipts, food and beverage products, we know a small amount may leach out. However, in the vast majority of cases, the volume of BPA exposure is significantly lower than the safety threshold.' 'The general scientific opinion is that there is no health or safety issue at the levels people are exposed to in these situations.' It feels like the word 'toxic' is regularly being linked to a new product from our day-to-day. Image: Pexels So we can leave the tongs at home. What makes something toxic? Aside from plastics, it feels like the word 'toxic' is regularly being linked to a new product from our day-to-day. But what makes something toxic? And do we need to avoid everything classed as such? Even when we're not looking for it, social media is working hard to convince us that the products we use every day are going to harm us. Image: Getty 'A lot of common products, even naturally occurring vitamins, have the potential to be toxic', Sorensen explains, 'the key to toxicity is the dose it takes to create damage or harm.' 'Some things in tiny amounts can be hard for the body to process and break down, leading to tissue damage. Other 'toxic' chemicals are actually readily broken down, meaning huge doses are needed before harm is done.' Social media and health anxiety We're deeply informed about more health concerns than anyone outside of the medical field previously could have been, and even when we're not looking for it, social media is working hard to convince us we're at risk of another rare disease, or that the products we use every day are going to harm us. So it makes sense that health anxiety is now relatively common. Image: Canva Short social video formats also don't give creators the space to share enough information for us to completely understand the health concepts they're explaining. So it makes sense that health anxiety is now relatively common. If you feel like you're constantly worrying about your health, on alert for possible toxins you could be exposed to or concerned that you're missing something, the GP has some advice. If you are worried, go to the experts. That might be your doctor, or it might also be health advice hotlines. Image: iStock 'Avoid 'researching' on social media and common search engines. Algorithms always feed the 'top' stories, which are usually click bait and 'worst case scenario'', she tells B+S. 'If you are worried, go to the experts. That might be your doctor, or it might also be health advice hotlines.' Originally published as Are receipts really toxic? We asked a doctor
The Hindu
29-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Endocrine disruptors in plastic waste: a new public health threat
Plastics have revolutionised modern living with their convenience and affordability, but this same ubiquity is spawning an invisible, long-term health crisis. Beyond choking oceans and clogging landfills, plastics are now infiltrating our bodies through microplastic particles and a cocktail of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The evidence is clear and deeply concerning: these substances are interfering with our hormonal systems, damaging reproductive health and increasing our susceptibility to chronic diseases, including cancer. India, now the world's largest generator of plastic waste, stands at the epicenter of this escalating public health emergency. Microplastics in the human body: from the environment to the bloodstream Once considered inert pollutants, microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5 mm—are now recognised as biologically active. A 2022 study by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam detected microplastics in the blood of 80% of human participants. Further, a 2024 study published in Nature Scientific Reports reported the presence of microplastics in nearly 89% of blood samples in India, with an average concentration of 4.2 particles per milliliter. These particles have also been found in human lungs, hearts, placentas, breast milk, ovarian follicular fluid, and semen. Alarmingly, testicular tissue in Indian men was found to contain three times more microplastics than that in dogs. The plastics in our lives are not chemically neutral. They often contain EDCs such as: Bisphenol A (BPA) and BPS: Used in water bottles, food containers, and thermal paper. - Phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP): Used to soften plastics and found in cosmetics, toys and IV tubing. - PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Found in food packaging and non-stick cookware. These chemicals mimic or block natural hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol. They interfere with receptor binding, disrupt gene expression in reproductive organs, and induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis (cell death). Animal studies published in Food and Chemical Toxicology (2023) showed that even low doses of polystyrene microplastics (20 μg/L) disrupted testosterone levels, impaired sperm production, and damaged the blood-testis barrier. Similar effects were observed in ovaries, where microplastics reduced anti-Müllerian hormone levels, triggered oxidative stress pathways, and induced cell death. Growing fertility crisis and other health risks Recent clinical studies from China and India have linked the presence of microplastics in semen to reduced sperm count, concentration and motility. Exposure to BPA and phthalates has been associated with lower testosterone levels and elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels—both indicators of endocrine disruption. A global review published in Science of the Total Environment further supports the connection between microplastics and male subfertility. Notably, a 2023 study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters reported a strong correlation between microplastic levels in semen and decreased sperm count, motility, and abnormal morphology in Chinese men. In India, studies have documented a 30% decline in average sperm count over the past two decades. A study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (2025) found microplastics in 14 out of 18 follicular fluid samples collected from women undergoing fertility treatment in Italy. These particles, along with their associated endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), were found to compromise egg quality and were linked to menstrual irregularities, reduced estradiol levels, and an increased risk of miscarriage. Epidemiological studies have also linked exposure to phthalates and BPA with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and spontaneous abortions. These associations have been further supported by findings published in Advances in Pharmacology (2021) and Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2023). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) now classifies several plastic additives as probable human carcinogens. Case-control studies from India have shown that women with elevated levels of DEHP in their urine face nearly a threefold increased risk of breast cancer (odds ratio = 2.97). Exposure to BPA and phthalates has also been linked to higher incidences of prostate, uterine, and testicular cancers. In addition to their carcinogenic potential, these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been implicated in metabolic disorders. By mimicking cortisol, altering insulin sensitivity, and promoting fat storage, EDCs contribute to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, PFAS exposure has been associated with metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid dysfunction, as reported in a 2024 study published in Frontiers in Public Health. India: a nation in the crosshairs India generates over 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. Of this, approximately 5.8 million tonnes are incinerated, releasing toxic gases, while 3.5 million tonnes end up polluting the environment. Studies have shown that residents in cities like Mumbai are exposed to between 382 and 2,012 microplastic particles daily through air, food, and water. In Nagpur, doctors are reporting an increase in cases of early puberty, respiratory problems, obesity, and learning disorders in children—conditions increasingly linked to plastic pollution. Recent testing by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) detected phthalate concentrations in drinking water samples from Delhi, Jabalpur, and Chennai that exceeded European Union safety limits. Despite progressive policies like the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, updated in 2022 and 2024), enforcement remains inconsistent. Current regulations do not account for low-dose effects or the complex interactions of EDCs, nor do they address the specific vulnerabilities of children and pregnant women. Economic costs of inaction and way forward The health burden associated with EDCs in India is staggering, costing over ₹25,000 crore annually due to increased healthcare spending and lost productivity. The poorest populations, often living near waste dumps or working in the informal recycling sector, bear the brunt of this crisis. Globally, the U.S. reports healthcare costs of $250 billion annually linked to plastic-related chemicals, according to the Endocrine Society. Biomonitoring and surveillance are crucial for establishing national programmess that measure endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) levels in blood, urine, and breast milk. Longitudinal studies must be funded to assess the health impacts of EDC exposure on fertility, neurodevelopment, and chronic diseases. In addition, public awareness needs to be improved, and behaviour changes should be encouraged, such as educating people on the risks of microwaving food in plastic containers and promoting the use of glass, stainless steel, and EDC-free alternatives. It is also important to advocate for antioxidant-rich diets to help counteract oxidative stress. Further actions should include enforcing plastic segregation, recycling, and safe disposal, while investing in microplastic filtration systems for water treatment plants. Additionally, incentivising the development of biodegradable, non-toxic materials is essential to reduce EDC exposure. Plastic pollution is no longer a distant environmental concern; it is a biological invasion with profound implications for human health. The infiltration of microplastics and plastic-derived EDCs into our bodies is triggering hormonal disruption, reproductive dysfunction and chronic diseases. The science is undeniable, and the time for action is now. For India, the world's most exposed population, this is more than a policy issue—it is a generational imperative. We must address this silent epidemic through science-driven regulation, robust monitoring, public education, and systemic change. The health of our people, especially our children, depends on it. ( Dr. Sudheer Kumar Shukla is an environmental scientist and sustainability expert with over 20 years of experience in environmental policy, waste management and the circular economy. He currently serves as Head-Think Tank at Mobius Foundation, New Delhi. Email : sshukla@ )
