Children are facing a growing threat from plastic in the environment. According to an analysis of hundreds of recent studies published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health,many everyday products, such as food packaging, cosmetics, and paper receipts, contain hazardous chemicals like phthalates, bisphenols, and PFAS. These substances can be released when plastic is heated and may contribute to IQ loss, hormonal imbalances, heart problems, nerve damage, or long-term health conditions such as ADHD, obesity, or low birth weight.
Experts recommendreplacing plastic containers with glass or stainless steel and notusing plastic in the microwave or dishwasher . Doctors and schools can also help educate children. Politically, researchers are calling for stricter regulations to protect children's health, while plastic remains indispensable in medicine.
Practical tips for protecting children:
- Use plastic containers only when cold, not in the microwave or dishwasher.
- Store food in glass or stainless steel containers whenever possible.
Education in schools and families about the risks of plastic and microplastics.
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Sources
According to a study by Trasande et al. (2025) in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, childrenhave an increased risk from chemicals in plastic products such as phthalates, bisphenols, and PFAS.
- In 2025,NYU Grossman School of Medicine published a statement indicating an urgent need for action to reduce children's plastic exposure. nyulangone.org
- n-tv.de reported in 2025 on the results of the meta-study, which highlights the acute danger posed to children by plastic. n-tv
- According to ScienceDaily (2025) , early childhood exposure to plastics can contribute to obesity, fertility problems, and other health issues in the long term.
- The medical platform Medical Dialogues (2025) points to the links between plastic exposure in childhood and later health problems. Medical Dialogues
- Sada News (2025) reports that plastic materials in almost every household are a source of microplastics .
- The German Federal Environment Agency already determined in 2019 that almost all children have traces of plastic in their bodies ( FAZ.net ). FAZ.NET
- Zeit.de (2019) published research findings on plasticizers detectable in children's urine. DIE ZEIT
- Information on microplastics can also be found on Wikipedia (2025) .
- According to the Swiss magazine Schweizer Illustrierte (2019), children in many households have traces of plastic in their bodies, as studies by the Federal Environment Agency show.
