Context
A report titled “Nonylphenol — An Endocrine Disrupting Chemical” was released by Toxics Link
About Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) and Nonylphenol (NP)
- NPEs and NP are surfactants that contribute to environmental pollution.
- Cause frothing in the Yamuna River, indicating high levels of pollutants.
- Recognized as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, toxic to aquatic life and harmful to human health.
- Regulatory Status:
- NPEs: Banned in many countries for use in detergents, but India lacks specific regulations.
- NP: Banned in cosmetics in India since 2009.
- Usage in Industries: Used in textiles, Leather, Detergents, Cleaning products, Paper and pulp, Food packaging, Cosmetics, Construction, Automotive, Agrochemicals, Paints, and Metalworking fluids.
- Health and Ecological Concerns:
- Toxicity to Aquatic Life:
- NP is toxic to fish, aquatic plants, and invertebrates.
- Causes acute and chronic poisoning, reducing survival rates, impairing growth, and leading to reproductive failure.
- Human Health Risks:
- Acts as an endocrine disruptor, mimicking estrogen.
- Causes hormonal imbalances, leading to reproductive disorders and increased cancer risk.
- Environmental Persistence:
- NP is resistant to degradation and persists in aquatic ecosystems.
- Can impact wildlife and potentially enter the human food chain.
- Toxicity to Aquatic Life:
Source: TOI
Previous Year Question
How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
