The India Clean Air Network (ICAN) held a news conference on National Pollution Prevention Day to draw attention to the serious health risks that plastic pollution and microplastics pose. The event, which featured a panel of distinguished medical professionals from a range of specialties, highlighted the urgent need for action while shedding light on the relationship between environmental sustainability and public health. A critical health advice was also issued by the panel of physicians. In addition to preventive measures and practices that should be incorporated into daily life to better prepare for the onslaught of polluted winter days, the health advisory offers a variety of strategies for residents, schools, colleges, the government, and vulnerable communities to mitigate the effects of air pollution. Additionally, India Clean Air Network published a report on the Sustainability Assessment of the ban on single-use plastic in Kolkata.

Doctors at the event described the various health hazards associated with microplastics, such as gastrointestinal problems, respiratory disorders, hormone imbalances, and other chronic long-term diseases. They emphasized research showing that microplastics are now found in seafood, water sources, and even the air, which raises questions about the long-term health effects of exposure.

Prof. Dr. Sadhan Kumar Ghosh – Director General, Sustainable Development & Circular Economy Research Centre, – International Society of Waste Management, Air and Water (ISWMAW), Dr. Sanjukta Dutta   Consultant and Head, Emergency Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Dr. Monidipa Mondal Consultant, Radiation Oncologist, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Dr. Kaustabh Choudhury, Consultant Pediatrician, Apollo Multi-Speciality Hospital, Dr. Arup Halder, Consultant Pulmonologist, CMRI Hospitals attended the press conference.

299 vendors and 493 consumers participated in a poll on their perceptions of the ban on single-use plastic in Kolkata, which was part of the India Clean Air Network’s Sustainability Assessment study. 73% of respondents to the survey said they were aware of the term single-use plastic. 92.9% of consumers thought it handy to bring eco-friendly bags to the market, while 44% of consumers periodically try to use less SUPs. 72% of merchants, however, voiced worries that the higher cost of plastic bag substitutes would affect their ability to conduct business. Although SUPs are widely used because they are practical, convenient, and easy to get, there is a lot of popular support for total prohibition. Interestingly, 51% of sellers think that encouraging the reuse and recycling of plastics will help in enforcing this plastic ban.

Public health is seriously at risk due to the stealthy way that plastic pollution, especially microplastics, has crept into our daily lives. Because they contain dangerous compounds, these particles have the potential to build up in important organs and interfere with crucial biological processes, which could result in long-term health problems like cancer and heart disease. To safeguard our planet and our health, we as a society must take immediate action to reduce plastic use, raise awareness, and support sustainable solutions.

Priyanka Dutta