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Time to Safeguard the Future Generations from the Omnipresent Microplastics
Summary
This review highlighted that children face disproportionate microplastic exposure through breast milk, infant formula, crawling on contaminated floors, and mouthing plastic toys, and that their developing organ systems may be more vulnerable to microplastic-induced toxicity than adults, calling for child-specific exposure assessments and protective standards.
Microplastics (MPs) as a ubiquitous environmental pollutant have drawn growing attention, and it is concerning that children are more sensitive to MPs than adults. Unfortunately, information about the link between children and MPs is insufficient. Therefore, we review the sources and exposure routes of children to MPs and collect evidence for the potential risks. Children can ingest and/or inhale MPs derived from various foodstuffs and plastic products. Despite the limited knowledge on the toxicity to humans, current studies have proved the accumulation and translocation of MPs in different tissues and organs. Main damages including cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and immunotoxicity can be caused by pristine polymers and/or co-contaminants. There is much more to be understood about MPs, especially their health effects, and this study has made it clear that it is time to protect our future generations from the threat of MPs.