Omar Khalid
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue that affects people of all ages, but children are especially vulnerable to its adverse health effects. Today's children are exposed to plastic before they are even born and will face rising plastic production and waste throughout their childhood. The throw-away culture of single-use plastics has resulted in an overwhelming amount of plastic waste, with plastic pollution being most visible in less-wealthy Asian and African nations. Plastic waste enters the oceans, harming marine life and potentially impacting human health through the consumption of seafood. Children's developing bodies absorb more pollutants and are less able to eliminate them, making them susceptible to toxic chemicals in plastic products. The long-term health consequences of plastic exposure are not yet fully understood, but there are concerns about its impact on the endocrine, nervous, immune, and digestive systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How much plastic is in the ocean? | The United Nations estimates that more than 51 trillion microplastic particles have already littered the world's seas. |
| How does plastic enter the ocean? | Plastic enters the ocean through overflowing rubbish bins or landfill sites, litter on streets and parks, our drains, and microfibres from laundry. |
| How does plastic affect marine animals? | Over 700 species of marine animals have been reported to have eaten or been entangled in plastic. Plastic waste can cause intestinal blockages and damage to marine animals, and in many cases, it can be fatal. |
| How does plastic affect humans? | Plastic can affect humans by disrupting the endocrine system, nervous system, immune system, and digestive system. Plastic exposure is especially harmful to children as they are still developing and their bodies absorb more pollutants relative to their size. |
| How does plastic production affect humans? | Plastic production includes the release of toxic petrochemicals that can pollute nearby communities. Studies have shown that families living near fossil fuel extraction sites experience higher rates of childhood cancer. |
| What are the sources of plastic exposure for children? | Common children's products contain hazardous plastic-associated chemicals, such as phthalates, bisphenols, PFAS, flame retardants, styrene, and PVC. |
| What are the social impacts of plastic on children? | Children who live in communities with open dumping and burning of plastic waste face concentrated risks from plastics, amplified by social inequalities. |
| What actions can be taken to reduce plastic pollution? | Reducing, reusing, refilling, redesigning, and reorienting plastic products. Improving waste management and recycling systems. Banning the production and consumption of single-use plastics. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic waste and children's health
Plastic waste is a pressing environmental issue that poses significant risks to children's health. Today's children are exposed to plastic from birth and throughout their childhood, facing soaring plastic production and waste. This exposure is linked to various health concerns, including hormonal imbalances, infertility, and issues with foetal brain development.
The health effects of plastic waste on children are concerning. Plastic products can contain toxic chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, which interfere with hormone production and activity. One of the most well-known endocrine disruptors is Bisphenol A (BPA), which is linked to a range of health issues. While some products are now marketed as BPA-free, alternatives like BPS have also been shown to have similar side effects.
Children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse health effects of plastic exposure for several reasons. Firstly, they are still in critical stages of development, with their gut, immune system, brain, and reproductive systems not yet fully formed. Secondly, they are often exposed to plastic through everyday items marketed towards them, such as disposable diapers, plastic baby bottles, toys, food packaging, and even their clothing. These items can contain hazardous chemicals like phthalates, PFAS, flame retardants, and styrene.
The impact of plastic waste on children's health is not limited to direct exposure. Plastic pollution in the environment can contaminate nearby water and food sources, leading to toxicants being ingested or absorbed through the skin. This exposure has been associated with birth defects, respiratory disorders, and eye damage, among other serious health issues. Globally, there are over 20 million child waste pickers who are at risk of exposure to toxic chemicals in dumpsites and e-waste recycling, which can have detrimental health consequences.
Addressing the impact of plastic waste on children's health requires a multifaceted approach. While it is unrealistic to completely avoid plastics, parents and caregivers can make informed choices by checking the triangle-shaped markings on plastics to identify those with endocrine-disrupting properties (numbers 1, 3, 6, and 7). Additionally, ambitious regulation, international cooperation, feasible alternatives, and rigorous clean-up efforts are needed to protect children from hazardous plastic chemicals and waste.
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Plastic pollution in the oceans
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue, with the rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelming the world's ability to deal with them. This crisis is most visible in less wealthy Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or non-existent. However, wealthy nations, especially those with low recycling rates, also struggle to properly collect discarded plastics.
The ocean, in particular, is severely affected by plastic pollution. Plastic accumulates in huge subtropical oceanic areas called gyres, which are massive circular currents that trap floating plastic for decades, if not centuries. The most polluted and well-studied gyre is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located in the North Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and California. This garbage patch is estimated to be twice the size of Texas and contains around 100 million kilograms of plastic, with 1.8 trillion pieces larger than 0.5mm.
The plastic in these gyres comes from thousands of sources all over the world. Rivers are the main source of ocean plastic pollution, carrying trash from land into the sea. Once plastic enters these ocean currents, it can be transported around the world. For example, scientists found plastic items from Russia, the United States, Europe, South America, Japan, and China on Henderson Island, an uninhabited island in the South Pacific.
Another major source of plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is fishing gear, such as buoys, nets, and crates. The plastic mass in this gyre consists mostly of larger objects, but these are continually fragmenting into smaller pieces, which are much harder to clean up. These microplastics are a huge part of the marine plastic pollution problem because they can mimic fish eggs and other tiny organisms, leading to consumption by marine life. Once microplastics reach the ocean, they are nearly impossible to filter out without causing damage to marine life, so they become a permanent feature of the ecosystem.
The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is devastating. Thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other marine mammals are killed each year after ingesting plastic or getting entangled in it. Research indicates that half of the sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic, and plastic ingestion has also been found to reduce the storage volume of seabirds' stomachs, causing starvation. It is estimated that 60% of all seabird species have eaten plastic, with that number predicted to increase to 99% by 2050.
The health effects of plastic exposure are particularly concerning for children, as they are more vulnerable to the adverse impacts of plastic's endocrine-disrupting properties. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known toxic chemical found in plastics, which can disrupt hormones and cause a range of health issues. While many plastic products are now marketed as BPA-free, the alternative, BPS, has been shown to have similar side effects.
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Plastic in food and water
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue, with plastic waste overwhelming the world and threatening human health, food safety, and water security. Single-use plastics, such as bags, bottles, straws, and packaging, contribute significantly to this crisis, persisting in the environment for hundreds of years. This waste often ends up in oceans, harming marine life and contaminating water sources.
Microplastics, which are small plastic particles, have been detected in municipal drinking water systems and the air we breathe. These microscopic fragments find their way into our bodies, as evidenced by their presence in human blood, placentas, and faeces. The health implications of microplastics are a growing concern, with scientists urgently investigating their potential harm.
The production and disposal of plastics introduce various chemicals into the environment, including carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can seep into the soil and leach into groundwater and rivers, ultimately affecting human health. One such chemical, PFAS, is commonly added to plastics for non-stick and waterproof properties but is strongly linked to infertility in females.
Children, with their developing bodies and sensitive hormonal systems, are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of plastic. Exposure to plastic pollution has been associated with severe health issues in children, including asthma, cancer, neurodevelopmental problems, metabolism disorders, and fertility issues. Even at low levels of exposure, the hormone-disrupting chemicals in plastics can cause harm, emphasizing the urgency of protecting children from these hazards.
Additionally, infants who consume formula prepared in plastic bottles ingest millions of plastic particles daily. Breast milk, unfortunately, is not immune to plastic pollution, as microplastics and additives like phthalates have been detected in breastfed infants' urine. This pervasive contamination of food and water highlights the extent to which plastic pollution has infiltrated our lives, underscoring the need for improved waste management, recycling, and reduced single-use plastic manufacturing.
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Plastic's impact on wildlife
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue that affects wildlife and humans alike. It has become a global crisis, with plastic waste being most visible in less-wealthy Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or non-existent. However, wealthy nations, especially those with low recycling rates, also struggle to properly collect discarded plastics.
Plastic pollution has detrimental effects on wildlife, from microscopic animals to large predators. Marine animals are particularly vulnerable to the harmful impacts of plastic waste. Over 700 species of marine animals have been reported to have ingested plastic or become entangled in it, and this number is expected to increase as the amount of plastic in the ocean is projected to triple by 2050. Plastic ingestion can block digestive tracts, pierce internal organs, and choke animals, leading to starvation and death. It can also reduce stomach storage volume, making it difficult for affected animals to eat.
Land animals are not exempt from the dangers of plastic pollution. There have been numerous reported cases of land-based mammals, including elephants, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, and cattle, accidentally consuming plastic waste, resulting in unnecessary deaths. In January 2018, a wild elephant in Periyar, India, died due to plastic ingestion, with plastic blocking its intestines and causing internal bleeding and organ failure.
Plastic waste also entangles wildlife, impeding their movement and making them vulnerable to predators. It can cause overheating, suffocation, dehydration, and starvation, ultimately leading to death. Plastic rings, such as those found on beverage holders, can deeply cut and wound animals, and birds may lose their ability to fly and hunt due to plastic entanglement.
Microplastics, which originate from sources like laundry and microbeads in toiletries, are another significant concern. They infiltrate soil and water sources, impacting terrestrial animals and entering the food chain. A recent study found plastic microfibers in a quarter of fish sold at markets in California, demonstrating how plastic pollution extends from the smallest organisms to humans.
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Plastic waste and children's livelihoods
Plastic waste is a pressing environmental issue, with rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelming the world's ability to deal with them. This crisis has a significant impact on children's livelihoods and well-being.
Children today are exposed to unprecedented levels of plastic, from the toys they play with to the food they eat. Plastic production and waste are projected to increase significantly by 2040, with only about 21% of plastic designed to be recyclable. This means that children will continue to be surrounded by plastic waste, facing the health risks associated with exposure to toxic chemicals.
The health effects of plastic exposure on children are a growing concern. Children are more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of plastic due to their developing immune, reproductive, nervous, and digestive systems. Plastic contains chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can interfere with hormone production and activity, potentially causing long-term damage to the body. The impact of plastic exposure on foetal brain development is also a concern, especially for pregnant women.
The presence of plastic waste in the environment also affects children's livelihoods. Plastic pollution impacts sectors such as tourism, marine activities, and agriculture, which can have economic consequences for families. Children in communities with open dumping and burning of plastic waste face amplified risks due to social inequalities and their dependence on caregivers.
Furthermore, children living near fossil fuel extraction sites and plastic production facilities are exposed to toxic petrochemicals released during manufacturing. These communities experience higher rates of childhood cancer, especially leukaemia.
While the full extent of plastic waste's impact on children's livelihoods is yet to be determined, it is clear that their health and future are at risk. Urgent action is needed to address plastic pollution and protect children's rights to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Children are more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of plastic exposure because their bodies are still developing. Their gut, immune system, brain, and reproductive systems are all still developing, making them more susceptible to the negative impacts of plastic exposure.
Plastic contains toxic chemicals, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), that can cause hormonal imbalances and affect the endocrine, nervous, immune, and digestive systems. Plastic exposure has been linked to rising infertility rates and can also impact foetal brain development.
Children are surrounded by plastic in their environment, including in places where they live, learn, and play. They may also be exposed to plastic through the products they use, as many common children's products contain hazardous plastic-associated chemicals.
To reduce the impact of plastic on children, stronger policies and regulations are needed to limit plastic production and improve waste management and recycling systems. Individuals can also take action by reducing their plastic use, avoiding single-use plastics, and choosing plastics with lower endocrine-disrupting properties.
