Impossible to prevent children from ingesting microplastics

 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/941768

 

 News Release 1-Feb-2022
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Norwegian University of Science and Technology

 

Plastic breaks down into microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics. These plastics can be found almost everywhere around the globe.

Researchers can now confirm the presence of microplastics in the placenta and in newborns. The possible effects of nano- and microplastics on children's health and development intensifies the interest in this topic.

“It’s quite possible that children are more exposed to microplastics than adults, similar to children’s greater exposure to many other environmental toxic chemicals,” says Kam Sripada.

-----

 Plastic comes in thousands of different forms. Microplastics don’t just contain plastic, but carry a variety of toxic chemicals as well.

Plastic might have phthalates and metals added for colour, stabilization or as a biocide, for example. Several of these substances are harmful to children's health. When microplastics end up outdoors – for example as particles from car tires – this plastic core is often coated with air pollution and car exhaust.

“Nano- and microplastics are so miniscule that they can travel deep into the lungs and can also cross into the placenta. At the same time, they transport dangerous chemicals with them on their journey. That’s why we believe that nano- and microplastics can be a health risk for children,” says Sripada.

-----