Nonylphenol - an endocrine disrupting chemical - is banned in India's cosmetics sector. But it is still used in surfactants and other consumer products.
Published Oct 24, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 24, 2024 | 7:00 AM
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The threat is real. It is like a gatecrasher masquerading as a guest and playing a party-pooper. The difference, however, is that this party pooper plays with our health.
Nonylphenol (NP), a chemical belonging to the alkylphenol category, is everywhere around us. Once in our body, it acts like oestrogen, a crucial hormone.
Once it binds to oestrogen receptors, it disrupts the hormonal balance. This imbalance can lead to serious health problems, such as infertility, and growth issues in children, and even pose a higher risk of cancers, like breast and ovarian, without us even realising it.
A recent study by Toxics Link, supported by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), has revealed that NP is still being used in many products across India.
The report, “Nonylphenol – An Endocrine Disrupting Chemical” found that NP and its related chemicals are commonly found in textiles, leather, detergents, cleaning products, food packaging, cosmetics, construction materials, automotive products, agrochemicals, and paints.
Essentially, this sneaky guest is everywhere, affecting our health in ways we may not even be aware of.
Nonylphenol (NP) and Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) are globally recognised as toxic chemicals and restricted for use by several countries. In 2009, India prohibited the use of NPs in the cosmetics industry but not in others.
NP can accumulate in living organisms, particularly aquatic species, and can persist in the environment for extended periods.
Food has been identified as the primary route of exposure to NP in humans, with the consumption of fish accounting for the majority of this exposure—approximately 70-80% of daily intake.
Regular exposure to NP may disrupt the normal functioning of hormones and can potentially lead to various adverse effects on human health.
Once ingested, NP is rapidly absorbed by the gastrointestinal system and is extensively distributed throughout the body, with the highest concentrations found in adipose (fat) tissue.
It has been detected in human breast milk, blood, and urine, and is associated with reproductive and developmental issues.
Studies have demonstrated that para-nonylphenol, the most common type of nonylphenol, has a structural similarity to the natural hormone 17β-estradiol. This similarity allows it to mimic estrogen by competing for binding sites on estrogen receptors.
Additionally, research has reported that NP exhibits anti-androgenic activity through a multi-step activation process of the androgen receptor.
According to a study conducted by SRM University in Tamil Nadu, India, NP has the potential to cross the placental barrier, posing risks to the developing foetus. The presence of NP has also been observed in the amniotic fluid of 53 pregnant women, highlighting the potential dangers that this chemical poses to foetal development.
Furthermore, NP has been detected in breast milk.
Human exposure to NP and NPEs can occur through various routes, including contaminated water, food, and consumer products.
These chemicals have been shown to interfere with the human endocrine system, potentially leading to reproductive health issues such as reduced fertility, developmental problems in children, and an increased risk of cancers such as breast cancer.
Endocrine Disruption: NP’s structural similarity to oestrogen allows it to bind to oestrogen receptors in the human body, leading to hormonal imbalances.
This may result in various health issues, including infertility, developmental abnormalities, and increased cancer risk. For instance, NP can mimic oestrogen’s function, potentially promoting the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and ovarian cancer.
Reproductive Health: Studies have shown that NP exposure can lead to lower sperm counts and altered reproductive organ development in males. In females, it can cause irregular menstrual cycles and developmental delays in offspring.
Developmental Issues: Prenatal exposure to NP has been linked to developmental issues in children, including cognitive impairments and hormonal imbalances. This is particularly concerning, as NP is found in various consumer products, increasing the risk of exposure during pregnancy.
NP is released into the environment during manufacturing, and usage of various products and also through wastewater, contaminating the groundwater and water bodies.
The chemical accumulates in aquatic organisms and remains in the environment for considerably long periods. It enters the human body through contaminated food, particularly fish.
“Nonylphenols have been detected in human breast milk, blood, and urine and have been proven to interfere with the way hormones work in humans and animals. Concerned with its implications, several countries have restricted the use of the chemical in various products,” Associate Director Satish Sinha of Toxics Link said in a statement.
“It is wise for India to act on this chemical concerning human health and environment. Any regulatory measures taken on the chemicals will be a welcome step,” he added.
1. Detergents and Cleaning Products
NP and NPEs are commonly used as surfactants in household and industrial cleaning products. They enhance detergents’ ability to reduce surface tension, helping to clean surfaces more effectively.
However, these compounds are not biodegradable, and significant amounts of NPEs are released into the environment, contaminating water systems.
According to studies, NPEs account for about 30% of the total consumption of surfactants in India’s detergent industry.
2. Textiles and Leather
The textile industry is one of the largest consumers of NP and NPEs, where they are used in fibre processing, dyeing, and finishing processes.
In India, which is one of the largest textile producers, NPEs are released into the environment during production and washing processes.
Europe, a significant market for Indian textiles, has banned textiles containing more than 0.01% NPEs, which presents challenges for India’s textile exports.
3. Paper and Pulp
NP and NPEs are also used in the paper and pulp industry as emulsifiers, wetting agents, and dispersants.
These chemicals are discharged into water bodies during the manufacturing process, leading to environmental contamination.
The paper and pulp industry in India, which operates over 800 mills, contributes significantly to water pollution, though the exact extent of NP contamination remains under-researched.
4. Food Packaging
NPEs are found in various food packaging materials such as polycarbonate containers and PVC films. These chemicals can migrate into food products, posing direct risks to human health.
Studies revealed that NP migrates from packaging into food, especially under conditions of prolonged storage.
5. Personal Care Products
NP-based surfactants are widely used in personal care and cosmetic products, though their use in cosmetics is banned in some countries. Despite these bans, NP residues have been detected in cosmetics and wastewater in several studies, showing their continued environmental impact.
6. Construction Materials
NP is used in construction chemicals as an emulsifier and dispersing agent in coatings, adhesives, and concrete formulations. However, studies show that NP leaches into the environment from construction sites, contaminating water bodies.
7. Agrochemicals and Pesticides
NPEs are used in agrochemicals to improve the delivery and absorption of pesticides on plant surfaces. However, their use poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems as they can contaminate water sources through runoff, affecting aquatic life and potentially entering human food chains.
Recommendations:
To address these issues, the report suggests several actions:
Hisham Mundol, Chief Advisor – India at the Environmental Defense Fund, emphasised the urgency of these actions.
“There is both a public health and economic reason to act. The health benefits are self-evident, and the faster the action, the faster the benefits will accrue,” he said.
“Economically, the momentum towards phasing these chemicals out and adopting safer alternatives will enhance the Indian industry’s reputation and business opportunities in both global and local markets,” Mundol added in a statement.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
