Page 10 - Plastics News June 2023

AIPMA AT WORKAIPMA AT WORK

World Environment Day Report 2023

The world Environment Day is celebrated on June 5 to raise awareness
and promote action for the protection of our environment. It is a day that
reminds everyone in the world to get involved in environment friendly ac-
tivities. From school children to community groups, companies and govern-
ments, all come together to pledge towards building a greener planet.
On the occasion of World Environment Day 2023, AIPMA’s Chairman -
Environment committee, Mr. Hiten Bheda, was interviewed by renowned
news channel, Zee Business. He shared his thoughts on the agenda 'Aap-
ki Khabar Aapka Fayda: D; k Single use Iy kfLVd c u j g k g S d Sal j d h o t g?'
(Is single use plastic becoming a cause for the cancer?) To discuss on this
agenda, Mr. Satish Sinha, Associate Director, Toxic Link and Dr. Anshuman
Kumar, Cancer Surgeon were also present.
The debate took place as the anchor expressed the concern that plastic is harmful to the environment as well as to the
human health and now being found in rivers, salt and even in the human blood. The discussion started with Mr. Hiten
Bheda, who responded that plastic is not bad but when it comes to the pollutants its effects may vary. He threw light
on the significance of plastic that it has supported well during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It is being used in food packag-
ing, medical packaging, and pharmaceutical packaging since last 50 years and has no direct scientific evidences against
harmfulness of plastic. If the plastic is used in a proper way and post consumption waste is handled appropriately, it will
not cause plastic issues. When the anchor presented the evidences and resolutions in regards to presence of plastic in
various formats of consumptions by humans or marines or other living creatures, it was evident that if research is un-
dertaken to determine the proportion of plastic, the result will show if the plastic is present. Presence of plastic cannot
define it as a harmful material unless it is supported with some scientific data and evidences. Mr. Hiten Bheda suggested
that instead of complaining about plastic we should focus more on understanding the reasons behind plastic littering as
well as the solutions and advantages of plastics.
Mr. Satish Sinha, the second panellist, began the conversation with the topic of plastic manufacturing, stating that it
is based on petroleum. He went on to say that one of the studies discovered that feeding bottles for babies contain
bisphenol-a, which is harmful for human health. Furthermore, everything under the food grade cannot consider as safe
because plastic has many chemicals in it. As a suggestion, he said that we have to focus on the chemicals that are being
used in the plastic as additives. We have to reduce the use of these chemicals and only safer chemicals must be used in
the manufacturing. Also, there should be labelling on products about the chemicals used.
The third panellist, Dr. Anshuman Kumar, stated that all types of plastics, particularly microplastics, are becoming a
sourc o human diso suc hypothyroidism, infertility, cancer, an o environmen difficulties. sa
bisphenol-a and phthalates are harmful chemicals found in a plastic. Hard plastic releases these chemicals into the envi-
ronment, whereas microplastics release them into the human body. It is a documented health hazard.
When questioned by the anchor what balanced approach we should take, Mr. Hiten bheda advised that the plastic which
can come in a contact with human body or are used in a food packaging should be checked from scientific institutions
such as FSSAI. These institutions have the safety standards which are globally accepted for food application and they
are aware about the new developments and keeps on updating. The safety of raw materials used in food packaging has
already been researched and approved.
The arguments were based on circumstantial evidence and not supported by scientific data and it would be incorrect to
link plastics as the sole contributor to health impacts. The debate ended with vote of thanks.
Plastic usage is a major part of the so-
ciety. SUP has been banned from July
2022 and it will take some time to cut
it off totally from the usage. We as
the responsible humans can prevent
it by not littering plastics and taking
care of our environment.

10 PLASTICS NEWS June 2023