From sizzling samosas to crispy pakoras, street food is a staple of daily life in many parts of the world. But behind the flavourful bites served on newspaper sheets lies a hidden health hazard that scientists say we should no longer ignore.
Experts warn that wrapping food in newspaper can lead to serious health consequences, including infertility, hormonal imbalances, cancer, and respiratory problems. This long-standing practice—popular for its low cost and convenience—is now under scrutiny due to the toxic substances found in printing inks.
Toxic Chemicals Lurking in Newspaper Ink
Modern newspaper ink contains a mix of chemicals that don’t simply fade with age. When hot, oily, or moist food comes into contact with these printed surfaces, harmful substances can seep into the food and eventually enter our bodies.
Key hazardous components include:
Mineral Oils: Often found in newspaper ink, these oils may carry polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—known carcinogens linked to cancers of the skin, lungs, and bladder.
Lead: Although lead inks are less common today, older or foreign newspapers may still contain trace amounts. Even tiny doses of lead can damage brain development, especially in children.
Phthalates: These chemicals disrupt hormone function. Linked to male infertility, menstrual issues, and even early puberty, phthalates pose risks to both sexes across all age groups.
Bisphenol-A (BPA): Known to mimic hormones like estrogen, BPA has been banned in several countries due to its links with early puberty and reproductive issues.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These airborne toxins are released from ink solvents. They can worsen asthma and lead to long-term respiratory problems.
Health Risks from Contaminated Food
While newspaper-wrapped snacks may taste delicious, their health impacts can go unnoticed until it’s too late. Research shows both immediate and long-term effects of ink contamination.
Digestive Issues
Consuming ink-laced food may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. These symptoms arise when toxic ink compounds irritate the stomach lining.
Cancer
The PAHs found in mineral oils can build up over time. Regular exposure, particularly from hot or oily street food, may raise the risk of bladder, liver, and colon cancers.
Neurological Damage
Even low levels of lead exposure can impair learning and cause developmental delays in children. Adults may also experience behavioural changes or memory issues over time.
Hormonal Disruption and Infertility
Chemicals like phthalates and BPA can affect hormone production. They have been linked to:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in adolescent girls
Reduced sperm count and testosterone levels in men
Early puberty in girls
Increased anxiety and mood disorders, tied to hormonal imbalances and neurochemical disruption
In particular, phthalates are a growing concern in relation to male infertility, as they are known to lower sperm quality.
Cardiovascular Risk
Exposure to BPA and phthalates may also raise blood pressure, cause inflammation in blood vessels, and trigger early signs of heart disease in young adults.
Respiratory Problems
Inhaling VOCs during food handling can irritate the lungs, worsen asthma, and cause breathing issues—especially in children and the elderly.
Skin Allergies
Some individuals may develop allergic reactions such as rashes, itching, or swelling after handling or eating food wrapped in newspaper.
What Can We Do?
The science is clear: newspapers are meant to inform, not to serve food. Here’s how different groups can take action:
For Consumers
−Avoid buying food wrapped in newspapers.
−Ask vendors to use aluminium foil, butter paper, banana leaves, or food-grade containers.
−Share this information with friends and family to raise awareness.
For Food Vendors
−Switch to safe, food-grade packaging.
−Learn about hygiene standards and safe handling practices.
−Work with local health agencies to find affordable packaging alternatives.
For Policymakers
−Enforce regulations that ban the use of newspapers for food handling.
−Launch public education campaigns.
−Provide financial or material support to small vendors for safe packaging.
Time to Prioritise Health Over Habit
In a time when public health awareness is growing, it is crucial to abandon unsafe traditions that no longer serve us. What was once a harmless way to serve food now poses serious risks—from cancer and respiratory issues to hormonal problems and infertility.
Shifting from habit to health-conscious action is not just advisable—it is necessary. Choosing safer food practices today can protect countless lives tomorrow.
“Ink belongs to newspapers, not to our plates.”
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