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Ban plastic medicine bottles, say experts

Last Updated 25 February 2015, 15:17 IST

In September 2014, the government proposed a ban on plastic PET (polyethylene terephthalate) containers as primary packaging in liquid oral formulations for paediatric, geriatric and reproductive healthcare use.

The proposal was made in the wake of studies which showed PET in combination with any medicine had an adverse effect on children and women in their reproductive age.

As per the study published in PLoS ONE journal, women with the highest levels of these chemicals in their bodies went through menopause anywhere between two and four years earlier than women with the lowest levels.

The study adds to a growing body of evidence linking so-called endocrine-disrupting chemicals to a range of effects such as cancer, recurrent abortions, and infertility.

“PET bottles may have long-term medical consequences for women, especially in the reproductive age group and children,” says Dr Seema Singhal, assistant professor, department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

According to her the release of  chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and additives like di-ethylhexyl phthalate can blend with the medicine and lead to health issues like impaired immune development, increased miscarriage rates, pre- term birth, low birth weight. It can also cause chromosomal abnormalities, birth defects, cause early onset of puberty and increase the infant's risk of prostate or breast cancer as an adult.

As per Dr Sanjeev Bagai, senior consultant, paediatrician, vice chairman and director Dwarka Manipal Hospital, “A well-functioning endocrine system is necessary to regulate the release of certain hormones essential for functions such as metabolism, growth and development, sleep and mood. External agents can alter the function of this hormonal system impacting the quality of life. Because most of the symptoms come on gradually, it is difficult to figure out initially, until the problems become more pronounced and the hormones become even more imbalanced.”

He said that exposure to endocrine disruptors found in PET containers can negatively impact the nervous system and lead to attention deficit or hyperactivity in children.

Supporting the government’s proposal, Dr A P Dubey, Professor and HoD Paediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College, says, “While the potential harmful effects of such toxins and chemicals is manifold, it is time our pharmaceutical and ancillary industry take the right cue from this government ordinance and minimise usage of plastics packaging for various liquid formulations. The new resolution by Government is really commendable as it keeps patient safety first.”

Experts, however, express concern that some players in the pharma and plastic industry were creating hurdles in the implementation of notification, justifying the use of PET bottle as safe and economical.

On this Jagriti, an NGO, has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). “The plastic manufacturers and some of the pharmaceutical companies do not want the Act to be passed and have written to the health ministry requesting them to reconsider their decision. This is very unfortunate,” says Ajay Jugran, president, Jagriti.

Former secretary, Indian Medical Association, Dr Narendra Saini says, “The pharma industry uses amber coloured 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.”

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(Published 25 February 2015, 15:17 IST)

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