Introduction

Microplastics have become a widespread concern, particularly for vulnerable populations, including children. From the moment of birth through adolescence, children are exposed and encounter microplastics through numerous daily activities and environmental situations. Therefore, understanding these sources is critical to safeguarding pediatric health and to raising public awareness. 

The Ways of Exposure to Microplastics

Newborns are exposed to microplastics through essential care items like feeding bottles and disposable diapers made from plastic polymers. As they grow, their exposure increases through different toys, plastic utensils, and even the air they breathe. While breast milk is generally considered the safest and least contaminated source of nutrition for infants, studies show that due to the presence of microplastics in adult bodies, they are consumed by newborns as a result. However, there are several ways to encounter microplastics such as tap water, ground water with an approximately 72.32 amount of microplastics per liter, contaminating basic sources. 

Stored milk in plastic bottles that make the majority of baby cups and bottles is reported to emit about 16,200 microplastics p/liter. Additionally, medical treatments like plastic face masks and childcare facilities also serve as a microplastics source, potentially releasing hundreds to thousands of particles that children may inhale (Sripada et al., 2022)

Microplastics in Adolescents

Teenagers encounter microplastics from plastic-packaged food, especially through take away containers, plastic utensils, and other snacks. Each of these items can release microplastics into food, even more when under heat or prolonged contact with the plastic material. Tap water and bottled water, often assured as safe, are also known to carry microplastics due to the contamination from groundwater sources. Salt used in cooking for every meal adds even more microplastics, as it often contains particles absorbed from the environment. Additionally, seafood consumption is another concern, with studies finding dozens of microplastics particles in fish and shellfish due to ocean plastic pollution (Lee et al., 2024)

Conclusion 

Children and teens are exposed to microplastics through food, water, air and consumer products throughout their development. Given the potential for long-term health consequences, which will be discussed in the up-coming article, it is critical to monitor and reduce plastic use in order to reduce the exposure of microplastics in early life stages. Raising awareness and promoting sustainable alternatives is essential to protect the health of our future generations.