Expressing concern over tons of plastic waste being used daily in environmentally fragile Kashmir, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) led by Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan on Friday sought complete ban on single-use plastics including cutlery, plates, cups, glasses, bottles, straws, stirrers, thermocol and food packaging.
“Not only is plastic killing the environment, but it is taking toll on health of all in Kashmir as plastic releases chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalates that are toxic to humans as we are exposed to these chemicals through air, water or food,” said Dr Nisar in a statement.
“When you heat food in a takeaway container or serve it hot on a plastic plate, these chemicals are leached into your food.”
Dr Nisar said exposure to these chemicals is linked to cancers, birth defects and endocrine dysfunction.
Quoting studies he said exposure of pregnant women to phthalates have given birth to babies with genital abnormalities. Also, people with exposure to BPA have increased rate of heart disease and diabetes. “If Maharashtra has imposed blanket ban on single-use plastic in a bid to protect its ecosystem, why not in eco-fragile J&K,” asked Dr Nisar.
“J&K generates more than 280 metric tons of plastic waste daily. With no recycling, plastic waste litters the streets or ends up in garbage dumps. Plastic is non-biodegradable. It just sits and pollutes the environment,” Dr Nisar added.