Exposure to microplastics can harm children

Exposure to plasticizers and microplastics poses a danger to normal thyroid function and a risk to the development of children and adolescents, according to a study by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP) released this Sunday.

At issue are phthalates, chemicals used primarily in plastic products such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride plastic) to make them more flexible.

The FMUP team analyzed data from more than 5,600 children and adolescents from several countries and gathered, according to the summary sent to Lusa, "sufficient evidence to conclude that exposure to phthalates causes changes in thyroid gland function with an increase in T3 hormone levels and a decrease in total T4 hormone levels."

The study was published in January in the medical journal European Journal of Pediatrics with a warning addressed to doctors, particularly pediatricians, and health authorities.

"Over the decades we've been using plastics, it's become clear that these phthalates impact human health and almost all living organisms. Unfortunately, we live with them everywhere. It's almost impossible to buy anything at the supermarket without plastic. Even children's juices have plastic around them," explained FMUP professor Augusta Coelho.

Speaking to Lusa, the researcher considered that pediatricians have a crucial role in educating parents about exposure to phthalates and suggesting preventive measures, such as using glass or stainless steel to store food, and avoiding heating food in plastic containers, among others.

"We can't fool ourselves: nowadays, with our level of civilization and our pursuit of comfort, it's very difficult to avoid coming into contact with microplastics. There are measures I can list, but I honestly think this deserves a more political, more global reflection, thinking about what we'll offer future generations," he said.

In addition to the already known health risks, especially regarding hormonal changes and reproductive health, this FMUP study reinforces the potential risks of phthalates for children's neurodevelopment.

Phthalates are plasticizers widely used in the plastics industry that are present in many consumer goods, including food packaging and clothing.

They are also used in personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, hair sprays, perfumes and nail polishes, and in a variety of children's toys, including crayons, inflatables, modeling clay and paints.

These substances can enter the body through ingestion, skin absorption and inhalation.

"The results of our study highlight the importance of minimizing contact with plasticizers and microplastics in the environment," Augusta Coelho emphasized, noting that today, "and rightly so," a lot of investment is being made in talking to parents about safety issues, "like putting the child seat in the car," for example, and that we should take the opportunity to "stop for a moment and encourage parents to adopt protective behaviors for their children in relation to microplastics."

"The population, young people, are also very active in these campaigns. I think this should be discussed in schools. We don't yet know what impact this generation will have later, decades from now, due to having been subjected to high levels of exposure to phthalates," he emphasized.

According to the expert, the European Union (EU) has taken measures to reduce citizens' exposure to these substances, but outside the EU, they are not regulated in the same way due to their different applications.

Therefore, products containing these phthalates can be found on the EU market.

Currently, several phthalates (DEHP, BBZP, DiBP and DNBP) cannot be used without authorization for specific uses.

DEHP, DNBP, DIBP, and BBZP are banned from all toys and childcare items, while DINP, DIDP, and DNOP are banned from toys and childcare items that can be placed in the mouth.

The EU has set a limit on the amount of BPA in toys for children up to three years old and in toys intended to be placed in the mouth.

The use of phthalates classified as toxic to reproduction is prohibited in cosmetics.

The EU is also setting legal limits for the concentration of certain phthalates (DEHP, BBZP and DNBP) in food contact materials.