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Protecting the developing brains of children from Plastics-Derived chemicals and microplastic particles

Environment International 2026
Deborah H. Bennett, Linda S. Birnbaum, Charlotte Brody, Brenda Eskenazi, Eve Gartner, Irva Hertz-Picciotto, Deborah Hirtz, Pamela Miller, Frederica Perera, Susan L. Schantz, Maureen Swanson, Tanya Khemet Taiwo, Beate Ritz

Summary

A group of scientists and health experts reviewed decades of research and concluded that chemicals added to plastics—plus tiny plastic particles called microplastics—may be harming children's developing brains, and they're calling this a serious public health issue. Because kids are especially vulnerable during brain development, the experts are urging action to cut down on plastic production and use so children have less exposure to these chemicals in everyday life, from food packaging to toys.

Body Systems

As scientists, health professionals, and other experts who have devoted decades to understanding toxic threats to the development of children's brains, we conclude that the presence and impact of toxic chemical additives to plastics, and potentially microplastics themselves, on children's brains and bodies, constitute a significant public health concern. Here, we present evidence supporting the call to take actions to protect children from harm and offer recommendations to reduce the production, use, and toxicity of plastics as one way to reduce children's exposures to these chemicals and to microplastics.

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