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Microplastics in Food? Tamil Nadu Seeks IIT Study
24 Jan
Summary
- IIT-Madras to study microplastic health effects from food pouches.
- Study triggered by court concern over plastic pollution in food.
- BPA levels in cord blood exceeded safe limits, study found.
The Tamil Nadu government has requested the Indian Institute of Technology - Madras (IIT-M) to conduct a scientific study on the adverse health effects of microplastics. This follows concerns raised by the Madras High Court regarding the consumption of food products, such as milk and tea, sold in plastic pouches.
This request was prompted by an interim report from PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Coimbatore. The report highlighted that microplastics contain compounds like Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor. Analysis of cord blood samples from pregnant women revealed BPA concentrations above the recommended tolerable daily intake.
In response to these findings, the court urged authorities to address the issue with utmost seriousness. The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry and the State health department have been directed to study the ill effects of microplastics before formulating relevant policies.
