Experts from various medical institutions in Delhi today joined hands to call for a ban on plastic packaging of certain medical formulations within a stipulated timeframe in the wake of recent studies raising questions on its dangerous side effects.
They condemned the latest move by the pharma industry to justify the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle as safe and economical.
"PET bottles may have long term medical consequences for women, especially in the reproductive age group and children. The release of bisphenol A (BPA) and additives like di-ethylhexyl phthalate can blend with the contents and lead to health issues like impaired immune development, increased miscarriage rates, pre- term birth, low birth weight.
"BPA acts as a faux-estrogen, and can cause chromosomal abnormalities, birth defects and developmental disabilities in utero and childhood," said Dr Seema Singhal, Assistant Professor of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AIIMS.
In India, PET bottles are used in 70 percent pediatric and liquid geriatric formulations.
Dr A P Dubey, Professor and HoD Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College said that while the potential harmful effects of such toxins and chemicals is manifold, it is time our pharmaceutical and ancillary industry took the right cue from this government ordinance and minimized usage of plastics packaging for various liquid formulations.
"The new resolution by Government is really commendable as it keeps patient safety first," said Dubey.
Indian Medical Association's former secretary, Dr Narendra Saini said that medical effects of plastic on human health cannot be ignored.
"The pharma industry uses amber colored glass bottles in certain instances to protect medicine from being exposed to UV light. However their usage is minimal. Also, many patients tend to ignore the shelf-life mentioned on PET containers and the temperature at which drugs need to be stored which could be harmful," said Dr Saini.
