The wonder material of plastic revolutionized packaging for everything from milk to medicines. On the flip side, this same sturdy and cheap packaging material has the potential to wreak havoc with the male reproductive system. The impact of plastics, especially phthalates, substances which increase the flexibility and longevity of plastics such as PVC, on humans.
Drug containers and modern drug delivery systems rely heavily on plastics, of which researchers identified two sub-types where organic or inorganic chemical substances are released from the packaging. The substance then takes the shape of microplastics. In a study, the pharmaceutical container is used to protect drug from the environment but sometime the container itself becomes the source of contamination if it is made of plastic. India has taken the step in understanding the impact of polyethylene terephthlate (PET) containers as the primary packaging of drug formulations.
Phthalates work as an endocrine disruptor, causing male and female infertility, a sub-type, DHEP, is suspected to be carcinogen, genotoxic and can cause irritation in the lungs.
Matter Referenced: Times of India, Ahmedabad, Monday, 3rd December, 2018.
By: Dr. Bhawana Asnani.
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