A new ‘human biomonitoring’ study by the German Environment Ministry and the Robert Koch Institute found that many children between the ages of 3 and 17 have alarmingly high levels of plastic in their bodies. The researchers collected blood and urine samples form some 2,500 children for inspection. The results revealed that a freighting 97% of them contained toxic levels of plastic byproducts.
Traces of 11 out of 15 plastic ingredients were detected. Of these ingredients, the most concerning was presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical that is commonly used in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, fire-fighting foams, stain-resistant carpets, ski wax, and some paper and cardboard packaging. PFOA levels in the samples were 20% higher than what are considered safe. Not surprising since the chemical is very common. It’s a favorite for many industries because it’s effective, stable, and long-lasting. However, there is a pending EU ban on PFOA, due to take effect in 2020 because it has been deemed a carcinogenic substance.
Overall, the results are very troubling since children are exposed to countless sources of plastics, from toys to furniture – especially in early ages of development. Marike Kolossa-Gehring, co-author of the study and toxicologist at the German Environment Ministry, told Der Speigel:
Our study clearly shows that increasingly used plastic ingredients also occur more frequently inside the body. Most troubling is the fact that the youngest children, the most sensitive group, are affected the most.
The presence of these plastic byproducts in children’s bodies could be quite dangerous. Unlike adults whose bodies are already developed, children’s bodies are not – hence, they are at risk of hormonal dysfunction. These plastics at the micro level can mimic the action of particular hormones, which confuses the human endocrine system. The disruption can manifest as obesity, metabolic disease, cancers, reproductive disorders, behavioral aberrations or developmental delays.
Mundane objects that you’d never think were a threat – like storage containers, DVD cases, receipts, package linings, PVC piping, imitation leather, treated furniture, carpeting, even toys and medical devices – are a possible exposure hazard. Really, everything around us is made of plastic so it’s virtually impossible to avoid being exposed.
Kolossa-Gehring, said:
Our study clearly shows that plastic ingredients, which are rising in production, are showing up more and more in the body.
In the end, parents can of course try to reduce their children’s exposure to plastic, but what the world really needs is tighter regulations and government oversight to create a safer environment for future generations to grow and thrive.
The researchers conclude that they still need to find out how exactly these byproducts enter the human body. Then, with that information, they’ll be able to (more easily) figure out a solution to minimize the risks of children accumulating plastic byproducts at unsafe levels in their bodies.
