Babies ingest at least 10 times more microplastics than adults, study finds
Babies have almost 15 times the level of microplastics in their bodies than found in adults, a new study suggests.
Microplastics are less than 5mm in size and are often released into the environment and people’s homes from having broken off from a larger body of plastic objects or materials.
Researchers used mass spectrometry to measure the concentrations of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PC (polycarbonate) in faeces samples from six infants and 10 adults, as well as three samples of newborn babies’ first stools – in the study by the New York University School of Medicine.
In all samples, microplastic fibres were found. PC levels were about the same in adults and babies but the PET levels were about 14 times higher in babies.
Researchers believe that higher levels of PET in babies could be the result of babies’ exposure to products like dummies, and crawling on carpets that contain the chemicals.
© Getty/iStock : Nineteen samples of faeces were examined for microplastics, including those of newborn babies
-Lead author Professor Kurunthachalam Kannan said that children’s products should be made from safe materials other than plastic to reduce children’s exposure to microplastics.
He also said: “Although average levels of faecal PC microplastics were similar between adults and infants, infant stool contained, on average, more than 10 times higher PET concentrations than that of adults.
“High concentrations of microplastics in the faeces of one-year-old infants can be attributed to extensive use of plastic products/articles such as baby feeding bottles, sippy cups, utensils such as spoons and bowls, plastic teethers, and toys, among others, during that growth stage.
“One-year-old infants are known to frequently mouth plastic products and clothing.
“In addition, studies have shown that infant formula prepared in bottles can release millions of microplastics and many processed baby foods are packaged in plastic containers that constitute another source of exposure in one-year-old infants.
“Furthermore, textiles are a source of PET MPs (microplastics). Infants often chew and suck cloths, and therefore, exposure of this age group to MPs present in textiles is a greater concern.
“Carpets made of PET and PP (polypropylene) can be another source of MP exposure, as infants crawl on the carpeted surfaces frequently.”
Prof Kannan said that more research needs to be carried out as the study – involving just 19 samples – was very small.
The research is published in the American Chemical Society’s journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters.
Reference: Independent: Lamiat Sabin
- Black youths being pushed away from arts, says Britain’s first black ballerina
- How I found joy in life without children of my own
- Try parenting the Buddhist way – drop your expectations and go with the flow
- How to spot if your child is struggling with their mental health – and what to do next
- I’m postpartum - when can I start to exercise?
- Is your teenager lonely? The warning sIIigns and how to support them
- How minerals influence women's fertility and menstrual health
- Jealous ex-partner given life for murder of mother of two in front of children
- New algorithm dramatically cuts unnecessary antibiotic use in kids
- Pregnant women who keep CrossFitting could experience fewer complications, study shows
- Five gynae red flags women should never ignore
- 5 Signs You Could Be A Narcissistic Parent
- Doctors recommend early introduction of peanuts in children's diet: Details
- How to talk to kids about divorce - it's never easy, here our experts share the best ways to do it in this age-by-age guide
- All About Testosterone in Women
- This is the reality of dealing with emotionally immature parents
- Psychologist reveals 3 tips on how to navigate parenting with a new partner - and #1 is so important
- Children become more intelligent with ‘optimal’ amount of weekly reading
- There are no winners in the breast v bottle debate
- Prunes pack a powerful punch against inflammation and bone loss in postmenopausal women
- This is exactly how your period affects your workout, according to two experts
- Scientists have finally discovered the cause of morning sickness
- What young children need
- Breakthrough menopause drug that targets key symptom given approval for use in UK
- Keeping your children safe online: All you need to know
- Home
- Aches and Pains
- Children - Insomnia
- New Born Babies
- Babies From 2-12 months
- Spina Bifida
- Equipment Used
- Drug Abuse
- Other Ingredients
- The Handicapped Child
- Videos
- BALANITIS - Aromachildhood
- Worms
- Corona virus and pregnancy
- Contact Us
- Essential Oils for General Purposes
- The Methods - Aromatherapy - Children-2
- Hydrolats, Essential Oil Waters, and infused Oils
- Ringworm
- The Methods - Aromatherapy - Children- 3
- Basic Care Kit - Children - Essential Oils
- Web Links
- Acne
- Adolescent Acne
- The A - Z of Conditions
- Arthritis (juvenile Rheumatoid)
- Herbal Healing Infused Oils
- The Cave Man Eating Plan
- Things To Make For Your First Aid Cabinet
- The Basic Care Kit For Children
- Verrucas and Warts
- Caring Touch Massage
- The Methods - Aromatherapy - Children
- The Methods - Aromatherapy - Children - 4
- Athlete's Foot - 2
We have 73 guests and no members online