Written by Kimiko Dunbar
Spoon Feed
Microplastics and nanoplastics are ubiquitous in the environment; their presence is potentially linked to numerous adverse health outcomes in children.
What can’t microplastics do?
Put simply, microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) are super small pieces of plastic that linger in the environment as a result of natural wear and tear of plastic products. We make\use many plastic products and constantly generate more MP/NP. Given that they are not biodegradable, they accumulate and are present almost universally in soil, bodies of water, the atmosphere, etc. These plastics enter the human body through ingestion, respiration, skin, and even transfer via the placenta. This article is a literature review of the current state of MP and NP exposure and the potential impact on children. Studies show that microplastics are potentially harmful to kids in the following ways: respiratory issues due to inhalation, infertility, immune dysfunction, kidney/liver dysfunction, metabolic disease, neurologic/developmental defects due to plastic accumulation in the brain, endocrine dysfunction, increased risk of stroke and heart attack, and increased risk of premature birth. Importantly, many studies show association rather than causation, indicating a need for further research in this area. Key limitations include a lack of standardized detection methods and long-term epidemiological studies.
How will this change my practice?
Honestly, it’s hard to know what to do with this information. Given the impressive presence of MP and NP in the environment, it’s overwhelming to imagine how we could reduce our personal exposure or the exposure of our patients. Certainly this informs advocacy for policy changes that support decreasing plastic production; but on a day-to-day basis, this article primarily allows me to validate concerns parents have about plastic exposure. On a personal level, I’ll be more likely to reach for the compostable disposable paper products or reusable items where possible.
Source
The Risk from Widespread Micro- and Nano-Plastic Contamination on a Global Scale and the Threat to Children’s Health. J Pediatr. 2025 Feb 15:114512. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114512. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39961376
