Context

Scientists have found microplastics in breast milk, raising concerns over potential health risks for infants.

Concern

• In general, babies and young children are more vulnerable to chemical and particle exposure.
• Presence of microplastics in breast milk is of great concern for the extremely vulnerable population of infant.
• Researchers have also stressed that the advantages of breastfeeding are much greater than the disadvantages caused by the presence of polluting microplastics.

Advice to pregnant women:

• Avoiding food and drink packaged in plastic, cosmetics and toothpastes containing microplastics, and clothes made of synthetic fabrics.

About

What are microplastics?

• They are defined as plastics less than five millimeters in diameter—smaller in diameter than the standard pearl used in jewelry. It can be harmful to our ocean and aquatic life.
• There are two categories of microplastics: primary and secondary.
  • Primary Microplastics: They are tiny particles designed for commercial use and microfibers shed from clothing and other textiles. E.g. Microbeads found in personal care products, plastic pellets and plastic fibres.
  • Secondary Microplastics: They are formed from the breakdown of larger plastics such as water bottles.

Chemicals in plastic products:

• The two most important substances to watch out for in plastics are bisphenol A (BPA), used in a variety of consumer products, and certain ‘phthalates’.
• BPA has been classified as an endocrine disruptor, which means that it has toxic effect on our ability to reproduce, they may damage fertility or the unborn child.

India-Specific Initiatives: Elimination of Single Use Plastic: In 2019, the Prime Minister of India pledged to eliminate all single-use plastic in the country by 2022, with an immediate ban in urban Delhi. Important Rules: Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 state that every local body has to be responsible for setting up infrastructure for segregation, collection, processing, and disposal of plastic waste. Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2018 introduced the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Un-Plastic Collective: Un-Plastic Collective (UPC) is a voluntary initiative launched by the UNEP-India, Confederation of Indian Industry and WWF-India. The Collective seeks to minimise externalities of plastics on the ecological and social health of our planet.