Plastic Bottled Medicines can Cause Cancer, Birth Defects, Say Experts

Doctors have found proof that medicines packed in Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles can have adverse effects on children, women in their reproductive age and the geriatric population.

"PET bottles may have long-term medical consequences for women, especially in the reproductive age group and children. 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.

Drug-Induced Birth Defects - Teratogenic Drugs - Causes - Effects - FAQs
Birth defects are abnormalities of function, structure or metabolism that are present since birth. Taking certain drugs during pregnancy can cause birth defects.

BPA acts as a faux-estrogen, and can cause chromosomal abnormalities, birth defects and developmental disabilities in uterus," said Dr Seema Singhal, assistant professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Doctors say that exposure to these faux-estrogens in uterus can cause early onset of puberty and increase the infant's risk of prostate or breast cancer as an adult. BPA exposure is also linked with aggressive behaviour and hyperactivity disorders in young girls.

Terephthalic acid is the major chemical precursor of PET containers. Doctors warn that the acid increases chances of breast cancer. Experts tested PET bottles for permissible levels of terephthalates, antimony, acetaldehyde etc. for storage at around 20 degrees Celsius.

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Birth defects caused due to environmental teratogens like drugs, microorganisms or exposure to radiation are called as environmental birth defects.

"While the potential harmful effects of toxins and chemicals is manifold, it is time for our pharmaceutical industry to minimize the use of plastic packaging for liquid formulation," said Dr A.P. Dubey, professor and head of Pediatrics Department, Maulana Azad Medical College. In India, Polyethylene Terephthalate bottles are used in 70 percent pediatric and liquid geriatric formulations.