As World Environment Day approaches, the United Nations Environment Programme’s global call to “End Plastic Pollution” has brought to light a concerning health threat: microplastics. Research indicates that children have over ten times more microplastics in their feces compared to adults, revealing a disturbing reality—youngsters are surrounded by invisible plastic contamination. It has become the shared responsibility of every family and society to guide children in understanding and reducing exposure to microplastics.
Coined in 2004, “microplastics” refer to plastic fragments and particles with a diameter of less than 5 millimeters. Ranging from microscopic to millimeter – sized, these particles take various forms, including fragments, fibers, and films, making them difficult to detect with the naked eye. These tiny particles have spread globally, infiltrating water, soil, air, and the food chain, and entering the human body through ingestion and inhalation, potentially affecting human health.
The Most Vulnerable to Microplastic Exposure
For children in the rapid development stage, the health risks posed by microplastic exposure are particularly severe. Children have immature immune systems and weaker metabolic abilities, making them more sensitive to microplastic exposure. Their frequent hand – to – mouth behaviors also lead to a higher per – kilogram exposure to microplastics compared to adults. Studies have found that once inside the body, microplastics may cause damage through multiple pathways, such as physical damage (e.g., friction – induced disruption of the intestinal barrier), release of chemicals (e.g., plasticizers), and triggering of biological effects (e.g., oxidative stress, immune disorders). These can result in intestinal damage, gut microbiota imbalance, metabolic disorders, and even neurodevelopmental toxicity. Protecting children from microplastic pollution is an urgent health and environmental issue.
Common Sources of Microplastic Exposure in Children’s Daily Lives
There are multiple sources of microplastic exposure in children’s daily lives. Packaging of consumer goods can be a major contributor. During the production, transportation, and use of packaged food, bottled water, and takeout, plastic materials in contact with the products can generate microplastics through friction or degradation, which then contaminate the food or beverages. For example, temperature fluctuations and friction during the storage and transportation of bottled water can accelerate the release of microplastics. Even infant formula has been found to contain detectable levels of microplastics. Single – use plastics, such as takeout containers, are more likely to release microplastics when holding hot food or being heated.
Plastic products used in daily life also pose a risk. Baby bottles, pacifiers, plastic cups, and tableware can release microplastics when exposed to high temperatures or mechanical friction. In an experiment simulating formula preparation with polypropylene bottles, even when following the World Health Organization’s recommended methods, millions or even tens of millions of microplastics were released into the milk per liter.
Wear and tear of daily items can also generate microplastics. Synthetic fiber products, including clothing, bedding, carpets, and plush toys, shed numerous fiber – like microplastics through friction. Plastic toys and stationery can also produce microplastics due to daily wear and tear, which can enter children’s bodies through the mouth or respiratory tract.
Air and household dust are additional sources of exposure. Microplastics in the air, such as particles from tire friction and weathered plastic waste, can be inhaled by children. Their active behavior and high breathing rate mean that children inhale more microplastics per kilogram of body weight than adults. Indoor dust is also a significant carrier of microplastics.
Research shows that tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of microplastics can be detected in each gram of household dust, mainly originating from synthetic fiber products. These microplastics can enter children’s bodies through hand – to – mouth contact or inhalation.
Three Strategies to Protect Children from Microplastics
Reducing microplastic ingestion is crucial. Families should prioritize using glass, ceramic, or stainless – steel containers, minimize the use of single – use plastics, make homemade baby food instead of relying on pre – packaged products, and choose natural rubber pacifiers. Avoid steaming plastic tableware at high temperatures, refrain from storing acidic liquids in plastic containers, and replace worn – out or aged plastic products promptly.
Preventing inhalation of microplastics is also important. Reduce the use of synthetic fiber products and replace them with cotton or linen materials. Regularly wipe household surfaces with a damp cloth and replace old plastic items in a timely manner. Households with the means can install air purifiers to reduce the concentration of airborne microplastics.
Finally, strengthening health education is essential. Use interactive methods such as science experiments and educational videos to increase children’s awareness of microplastics. Encourage children to participate in plastic reduction activities and waste sorting, transforming individual actions into collective environmental responsibilities.
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