Kolkata : On the occasion of National Pollution Prevention Day, the India Clean Air Network (ICAN) hosted a press conference to spotlight the urgent health concerns posed by plastic pollution and microplastics. Featuring a panel of esteemed doctors from various medical disciplines, the event shed light on the intersection of environmental sustainability and public health, emphasizing the need for immediate action. The panel of doctors also released a critical health advisory. The health advisory provides numerous ways in which citizens, Schools, Colleges, Govt and vulnerable communities can prevent impact of air pollution, besides preventive measures and practices that should be adopted in everyday life to better prepare from the onslaught of polluted winter days. India Clean Air Network also released a report on Sustainability Assessment of ban on single use plastic in Kolkata based on a primary survey of consumers and vendors.
As per UNEP, with the world producing an alarming 400 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, the pervasiveness of single-use plastics (SUPs) has become a pressing environmental and health challenge. A single plastic bag takes up to 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill, and even then, it doesn’t decompose completely. Instead, it photo-degrades into microplastics, which absorb toxins and persist in polluting the environment. The carbon footprint of plastics like Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is significant, with around 6 kg of CO₂ emitted for every kilogram of plastic produced. Incineration of plastics releases hazardous chemicals, including Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, and furans, which contribute to severe health risks like cancer and hormone disruption. Additionally, these processes exacerbate air pollution, harm ecosystems through soil and water contamination, and release greenhouse gases, further intensifying climate change.
At the event, doctors detailed the numerous health risks linked to microplastics, including respiratory ailments, gastrointestinal issues, hormonal disruptions and potential long-term chronic diseases. They highlighted findings that microplastics are now present in seafood, water supplies, and even the air, raising concerns about the cumulative health impacts of prolonged exposure. Several leading doctors of Kolkata like 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, Consulatent Pulmonologist , CMRI Hospitals attended the press conference.
Ajay Mittal, Co-Chairperson, Programs IndiaCAN said, “Plastic pollution and microplastics are silent intruders in our daily lives, impacting not just the environment but our health in profound ways. At India Clean Air Network, we believe that addressing this crisis requires collective action, stronger policies, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable living. He further added stating – ‘In our study we have found that 24% of consumers and 30% of vendors surveyed were unfamiliar with the term ‘single-use plastic,’ both in English and local languages. This lack of awareness among key stakeholders reflects a significant barrier to implementing policies and practices aimed at reducing plastic waste.’
Prof. Dr. Sadhan Kumar Ghosh – Director General, Sustainable Development & Circular Economy Research Centre, – International Society of Waste Management, Air and Water (ISWMAW) remarked, ‘The crisis of plastic pollution and the proliferation of microplastics demand urgent attention. These pollutants not only contaminate our ecosystems but also disrupt the principles of a circular economy by undermining resource efficiency and sustainability. Addressing this issue requires innovative waste management strategies, policy frameworks, and public engagement to develop a framework for reducing the waste generation as well to transform waste into value.’
The report by India Clean Air Network on Sustainability Assessment of ban on single use plastic in Kolkata included vendors and consumers perception survey where a total of 299 vendors and 493 consumers participated. The study revealed that 73% of people were familiar with the term ‘Single-use Plastic.’ While 44% of consumers occasionally attempt to reduce their use of SUPs and 92.9% found it convenient to bring eco-friendly bags to the market. However, 72% of vendors expressed concerns that alternatives to plastic bags are more expensive, impacting their business operations. Despite the widespread reliance on SUPs due to their convenience, ease of access, and practicality, there is strong support for a complete ban among the public. Notably, 51% of vendors believe that promoting the reuse and recycling of plastics would be the most effective approach to enforcing the ban.
Addressing the Press Conference, Dr Arup Halder, Consultant Pulmonologist, CMRI Hospital stated: ‘The quality of the air we breathe has a direct impact on our lung health, and plastic pollution, particularly microplastics, is an emerging and alarming contributor. These microscopic plastic particles not only infiltrate our water and food but are now being detected in the air we inhale. Plastic pollution is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s a public health crisis. Immediate action through awareness, policy interventions, and a shift towards sustainable alternatives is critical to protect both our lungs and our planet from this invisible, yet pervasive, threat.’
Dr Monidipa Mondal Consultant, Radiation Oncologist, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital says, ‘Microplastics are not just an environmental concern; they pose a significant health risk, particularly in relation to cancer. These microscopic particles, often laden with toxic chemicals, enter our bodies through the air, water, and food, where they can trigger inflammation and cellular damage. Emerging research suggests a worrying link between long-term exposure to microplastics and the development of cancers, as well as their role in disrupting hormonal balance. Microplastics have been linked to early onset colorectal cancers and progression of breast cancer.
Dr Kaustabh Choudhury, Consultant Pediatrician, Apollo Multi-Speciality Hospital, said, ‘Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of microplastics. These tiny particles, present in the air they breathe, the water they drink, and even the food they consume, can accumulate in their developing bodies, potentially causing long-term health issues. Microplastics are not just environmental pollutants; they can disrupt hormones, impair immune function, and even affect brain development in young children.’
Dr Sanjukta Dutta, Consultant and Head, Emergency Medicine, Fortis hospital, stated, ‘Plastic pollution, particularly microplastics, has silently infiltrated our everyday lives, posing significant risks to public health. These particles, carrying harmful chemicals, can accumulate in vital organs and disrupt critical bodily functions, potentially leading to long-term health issues, including cancers and cardiovascular diseases. It is crucial for us as a society to act now—reducing plastic use, spreading awareness, and advocating for sustainable solutions to protect both our health and our planet.’
