Plastic, a widely used material in our lives, is becoming a worrying issue for our health, especially for children. In a report published by EARTHDAY.ORG, in which attention is focused on the impact of plastic on the health of babies and infants. Through analysis of the new science, a wide range of important concerns emerge:
Detection of microplastics
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, are found in our environment, including our water and food.
Studies show that babies face higher levels of microplastics than adults, being exposed through the consumption of food, toys and plastic bottles.
A study from Trinity College, Dublin, estimated that babies can consume up to 4.5 million plastic particles a day when fed from polypropylene baby bottles.
Other studies have found that microplastics have been found in storage bags used for expressed breast milk, raising concerns about the health of babies.
Health risks
The consumption of microplastics has been linked to health risks, including the effects of toxic chemicals such as phthalates, PFAS, and BPA, which have been linked to various diseases, including cancer.
Microplastics can also be vectors for bacteria and viruses, increasing the risk of infections and other harmful effects on children's health.
Lack of legal regulations
In the absence of government regulation, there is a huge challenge to protect public health from the harmful effects of plastic.
As the plastics industries grow, the conflict between corporate interests and public welfare is increasingly apparent.
EARTHDAY.ORG's analysis worries about the impact of plastic on the health of babies and infants. Microplastics, found in food and their environment, increase the risk to health. Concern also comes from harmful chemicals such as phthalates, PFAS and BPA, which can cause various diseases. The lack of legal regulations on plastics adds to the challenges of protecting public health. Meanwhile, swift action is needed to address this challenge, including strong regulations and awareness to reduce plastic use globally.
