Doctors and health experts from various medical institutions in Delhi have demanded an immediate ban on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) usage for certain medical formulations as notified by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The group has also condemned the latest move by the pharma industry to justify the use of PET bottle as safe and economical.
“Research has shown that medicines packed in PET bottles are a health hazard and can have adverse effect on children, women in their reproductive age and the geriatric population,” noted Dr. Seema Singhal, assistant professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences. She noted that PET bottles may have long term medical consequences for women, especially in their reproductive age.
“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 and low-birth weight,” she said.
According to doctors, BPA acts as a faux-estrogen, and can cause chromosomal abnormalities, birth defects and developmental disabilities in utero and childhood. BPA exposure is also linked with hyperactivity disorders and aggressive behaviour in young girls. In India, PET bottles are used in 70 per cent paediatric and liquid geriatric formulations.
Dr. A. P. Dubey, professor and HoD paediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College noted that women especially in the reproductive age group consuming medicine out of such bottles could have impaired immune development, loss of pregnancy, pre- term birth while children can suffer from low birth weight and congenital defects which could manifest in later stages of life.
Indian Medical Association's former secretary, Dr Narendra Saini said: “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.”
