Scientists flag food packaging in warning on children’s plastic exposure

Researchers from NYU Langone Health have warned of potential long-term health effects from children’s exposure to chemicals commonly used in plastics.

The analysis examined evidence on three groups of chemicals: phthalates, which are added to plastics for flexibility; bisphenols, which increase rigidity; and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), used to provide resistance to heat and water. The review linked early-life exposure to these substances with a range of health concerns, including asthma, infertility, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

The chemicals are present in everyday products, including food packaging, cosmetics, and paper receipts. Experts note that plastics can release micro- and nanoparticles when heated or chemically treated, which may then be ingested. Previous studies suggest these exposures can trigger inflammation, disrupt hormones, and potentially affect brain development, with associations reported between early exposure and reduced IQ as well as conditions such as autism and ADHD.

Lead author Leonardo Trasande, MD, MPP, a paediatrician and professor at NYU Langone Health, noted that practical steps such as using glass or stainless-steel containers instead of plastic, and avoiding microwaving or dishwashing plastic, may help reduce exposure.

Our findings point to plastic's role in the early origins of many chronic diseases that reverberate into adolescence and adulthood. If we want kids to stay healthy and live longer, then we need to get serious about limiting the use of these materials.

The report coincides with a global meeting of health experts in New York City to discuss the impact of plastics on human health. Trasande said the findings underline the importance of strong international measures to reduce risks from plastics and better protect both human health and the environment.

Their findings, published on 21 September in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, are based on a review of hundreds of recent studies.