Endocrine Disruptors in Plastic Waste: Urgent Public Health Crisis

In recent years, the alarming rise of plastic pollution has emerged as a significant public health crisis, particularly in India, the world’s leading generator of plastic waste. According to a June 2025 report by Dr. Sudheer Kumar Shukla, an environmental scientist and sustainability expert, the pervasive presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in plastics is infiltrating human bodies, posing a serious risk to reproductive health and overall well-being.

Plastics, while integral to modern convenience, have become a source of invisible yet severe health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) and various studies highlight that microplastics and their associated harmful chemicals are now found in human blood, breast milk, and even placental tissues. A noteworthy study from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 2022 reported that 80% of tested human blood samples contained microplastics, while a subsequent study in 2024 revealed an alarming 89% prevalence in Indian blood samples, with concentrations averaging 4.2 particles per milliliter.

These microplastics carry EDCs such as Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and PFAS—substances that interfere with hormonal functions, potentially leading to a myriad of health issues. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Environmental Health at Stanford University, "The disruption of hormonal balance caused by these chemicals has been linked to reproductive dysfunction, increased cancer risks, and chronic diseases."

Research indicates that exposure to these EDCs correlates with significant declines in male fertility, with a 2023 study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters revealing a direct link between microplastic levels in semen and reduced sperm quality in Chinese men. In India, studies have documented a troubling 30% decrease in sperm count over the past two decades, suggesting a broader trend towards declining reproductive health.

The implications of this crisis extend beyond reproductive health. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), several plastic additives are now classified as probable human carcinogens. A study published in Advances in Pharmacology (2021) indicated that women with high urinary levels of DEHP, a common phthalate, have nearly threefold increased risks of breast cancer. Furthermore, EDCs have been associated with metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, further exacerbating public health challenges.

In India, the economic ramifications of inaction are staggering, costing an estimated ₹25,000 crore annually due to increased healthcare burdens and lost productivity. The poorest populations, particularly those living near waste dumps or working informally in recycling, disproportionately suffer from these health impacts. Recent data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed phthalate levels in drinking water from major cities such as Delhi and Chennai that exceed European safety limits, raising urgent calls for regulatory reform.

Despite some advancements in policy, such as the Plastic Waste Management Rules updated in 2024, enforcement remains inadequate. Current regulations do not sufficiently address the complexities of EDC interactions or the unique vulnerabilities of children and pregnant women. Experts like Dr. Elizabeth Moore, Director of the Center for Environmental Health at Johns Hopkins University, argue that more stringent regulations and public awareness campaigns are essential to combat this crisis.

To mitigate these risks, public health advocates suggest implementing comprehensive biomonitoring programs to track EDC exposure levels in populations, alongside longitudinal studies to assess health impacts. Additionally, promoting alternative materials, such as biodegradable plastics, and encouraging dietary changes that incorporate antioxidant-rich foods can help mitigate oxidative stress caused by EDCs.

As plastic pollution evolves from an environmental issue to a pressing health crisis, it is imperative that governments and organizations take immediate, science-driven actions to protect the health of future generations. This challenge requires collaborative efforts in regulation, education, and innovation to ensure a healthier environment and populace.

Dr. Sudheer Kumar Shukla, who authored this report, is the Head of the Think Tank at Mobius Foundation, New Delhi, and has over 20 years of experience in environmental policy and waste management. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing the pervasive threat posed by plastic pollution and its associated health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations.