Dr. Sellahewa explained that large studies had shown that phthalates are toxic to certain cells in the male testes, which produce sperm, thus causing a reduction in the sperm production which would lead to fertility issues. They are also toxic to other ce
tes will follow, he said, adding that the problems are “huge”. Even breast-cancer has been found to proliferate faster in those exposed to such substances.
Dr. Sellahewa explained that large studies had shown that phthalates are toxic to certain cells in the male testes, which produce sperm, thus causing a reduction in the sperm production which would lead to fertility issues. They are also toxic to other cells in the testes which produce the male-hormone testosterone.
Pointing out that 50% of miscarriages are due to genetic issues, Dr. Suranga Hettipathirana said that chemicals cause a lot of harm to genes. “Genes are the building-blocks of our system and if genes are affected, we may even pass on these issues to the next generation.”
Dr. Neville Perera said that in the past decade he has witnessed a rise in male infertility. What could be the cause, he asked, replying that it could be environmental issues or the food and drinks that we consume. It is not clear what exactly is causing male infertility but the sperm counts are low for no reason. It could be due to the chemicals in food and drinks including water. The chemicals leaching from plastic bottles may be a cause.
Dr. Perera said that an expectant mother needs to be aware of these dangers. If the foetus is a boy, a result could be fertility issues when he is older, while he could also be vulnerable to testicular cancer.
Going into detail about chemicals, Dr. A.A.P. Keerthi said that when they get into the body they exist there as ‘freeform chemicals’ or ‘bound-form chemicals’. Usually, the free-form chemicals get de-toxified while the bound-form chemicals can get into the environment in which the foetus is and release freeform chemicals within the womb. This could cause severe harm to the baby.
It was last year in February that the social movement, ‘Believers in Glass’ was launched in Sri Lanka. Those who participated in the launch included officials from the Environment and Mahaweli Development Ministry, the Consumer Affairs Authority, the National Poisons Information Centre and the City Analyst’s Office; and representatives from the Institute of Chemistry; Piramal Glass Ceylon PLC; and BBDO Lanka, an advertising agency.