Babies are Being Poisoned by Plastic Pollution

For decades, humanity has unwittingly become participants in an extensive health experiment orchestrated by the plastic industry. Microplastics have permeated our daily lives and are associated with a spectrum of health risks. In the lead-up to the global plastic treaty negotiations in Nairobi, concerns about the coverage of microplastics and their effects on human health prompted the creation of a report titled “Babies v Plastics.” This report sought to shed light on the diverse health issues linked to microplastic exposure, ranging from elevated miscarriage rates to childhood cancers and early puberty.

Chemicals used in plastic manufacturing, such as phthalates, have been associated with up to a 20% higher rate of childhood cancer. Microplastics, in particular, have been linked to disruptions in maternal-fetal communication, potential DNA damage, type 2 diabetes, and conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, this information often remains buried in the vast expanse of media coverage, leaving the public largely uninformed about the magnitude of the involuntary mass poisoning orchestrated by the plastic industry.

While the research on microplastics and health risks is commendable, it operates within a vacuum that neglects a significant demographic—the children of the global south. This omission is especially critical when considering that between 2.14 million and up to 4 million tonnes of plastic waste are annually shipped from the global north to the global south. Countries like Malaysia, Ghana, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines witnessed a surge in plastic waste following China’s closure to such imports in 2017.

The Plastic Health Map, created by the Minderoo Foundation in Australia, starkly highlights the geographical bias in research. Babies in the global north, particularly in countries like Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, the UK, and the US, dominate the sample groups. This omission not only raises moral concerns but also undermines the scientific accuracy of the research.

Research, led by Macquarie University in Australia, has shown that people in poorer nations are the most exposed to microplastics. By overlooking the babies of the global south in sample groups, researchers may be underestimating the true extent of health risks associated with microplastic exposure.

A study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology reveals a staggering statistic – each person could be consuming up to 52,000 microplastic particles and potentially inhaling another 121,000 annually. This is equivalent to swallowing a large bar of soap’s worth of microplastics. Children, who crawl and chew on objects, are particularly susceptible as they inhale household dust containing microfibers and chew on plastic toys and feeding bottles.

Children in the developing world face additional risks due to fewer regulations governing the composition of toys and chewable items. The lack of stringent standards allows for potentially harmful substances to be present in everyday items, further increasing the health risks for these vulnerable populations.

As the global community grapples with the pervasive issue of microplastics and their health implications, it is imperative to recognize and address the disparities in research focus. The health experiment we unwittingly participate in must be thoroughly examined, considering the global south’s children who bear the brunt of plastic waste imports. It is time for a paradigm shift in research methodologies, regulatory practices, and international cooperation to ensure the health and well-being of all, regardless of geographical or socioeconomic background.

Solution Not Pollution Sweatshirt by Tiny Rescue: Climate Collection

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• UN Adopts Resolution to Combat Plastic Pollution
• 21 Switches to Get Plastic Out of Your Life!
• Unilever Faces Backlash Over 53 Billion Sachet Sales, Breaking Its Plastic Pledge

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