Baby Health: Did You Know Plastic is the New Lead?
In 1974, regulators in the United States banned the use of lead in drinking water pipes, finally acknowledging a problem that Roman engineers had identified thousands of years prior. Today, we understand the profound neurotoxic effects of lead, and we are still addressing the damage it caused.
We may pride ourselves on being more environmentally conscious than previous generations, but the reality is that we are repeating history in a new form.
The Hidden Dangers: Microplastics Are The New Lead
Greed often drives these environmental missteps. Just as leaded gasoline was promoted over a safer alternative for profit, we are now creating a similar environmental scourge in the form of plastics, microplastics, and the harmful chemicals associated with them.
Scientists have found microplastics in placentas, breast milk, and even the first stool of newborns. Babies are estimated to have 10 to 20 times more plastic in their bodies than adults, raising serious concerns about the long-term health effects. The time to act is now.
Major, Negative Impact on Child Development
The implications of microplastic exposure on childhood development are alarming. These particles and their associated chemicals can significantly disrupt key bodily systems.
1. Endocrine Disruption
Exposure to certain chemicals found in plastics, such as BPA and phthalates, has been shown to disrupt the endocrine system—the network of glands that produce hormones. This interference is particularly concerning because hormones regulate many vital bodily functions, including growth, development, and metabolism.
Here's a breakdown of how these chemicals act as endocrine disruptors:
a. Mimicking Hormones
Chemicals like BPA are structurally similar to natural hormones, particularly estrogen. This allows them to bind to hormone receptors in the body, either mimicking the action of the natural hormone or blocking its effects. This can lead to a false signal in the body, disrupting the normal hormonal balance and causing a variety of health problems.
A study on BPA's estrogen-like activity and its role in cancer
b. Blocking Hormone Action
Phthalates, in particular, have been shown to interfere with the production and function of androgens (male hormones). By blocking these hormones, they can impact the development of male reproductive organs.
A review on the effects and mechanisms of phthalates on reproductive health
c. Altering Hormone Production
These chemicals can also alter the way the body produces, stores, and processes hormones, leading to an overall imbalance.
A poster on the endocrine-disrupting properties of phthalates and BPA
2. Cognitive & Behavioral Issues
Early exposure has been linked to impaired learning, memory problems, and increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD.
a. A review of recent studies on BPA and phthalates and child neurodevelopment
This comprehensive review suggests that prenatal exposure to BPA and phthalates may contribute to neurobehavioral outcomes in children. It notes that ADHD symptoms, especially in boys, have consistently been associated with both prenatal and concurrent BPA exposure.
A Review of Recent Studies on Bisphenol A and Phthalate Exposures and Child Neurodevelopment
b. A study on BPA detoxification in children with ADHD and autism
Researchers found that children with ADHD and autism often have a reduced ability to clear BPA from their bodies, leading to prolonged exposure to the chemical. This finding provides a potential biochemical explanation for the observed links.
Researchers find link between plastic additive and autism, ADHD
c. An article on microplastics and health from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
This piece discusses how chemicals found in plastics, such as BPA and phthalates, are known to disrupt the endocrine system and may be associated with a range of health problems, including ADHD.
Microplastics are inside us all. What does that mean for our health?
3. Weakened Immune Systems
Microplastics can have a significant and negative impact on a child's developing immune system. Research suggests that these particles can induce an inflammatory response and disrupt the gut microbiome, both of which are crucial for proper immune function.
a. Immune Cell Response
Studies have shown that when immune cells are exposed to microplastics, they can die at a significantly faster rate than usual. This compromised defense can make children more susceptible to infections.
b. Inflammation
The presence of microplastics in the body can trigger chronic inflammation, which is a known factor in the development of various health issues, including autoimmune diseases.
c. Gut Microbiome Disruption
The ingestion of microplastics can alter the balance of bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for a robust immune system, and its disruption can lead to a weakened immune response and increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders.
For more information, you can find studies on this topic from sources such as:
An article on immune cells and microplastics
A review on microplastics and immunity
A piece from the American Medical Association on the health risks of microplastics
Your Call To Action: The True Shift's Approach
As we’ve seen with lead, waiting for government action can take decades. While pushing for stronger regulations is necessary, the first step is to do what we can as individuals to protect our families.
At The True Shift, our mission is to provide you with the tools to do just that. We believe a healthy home should be accessible to everyone, and we offer practical ways to make a change.
Take the first step toward a toxin-free life for your family with our Newborn Non-Toxic Shopping Guide. This guide provides a full checklist and vetted recommendations for non-toxic baby products you can find on our website.
For more hands-on support, explore our Personalized Coaching Plan. These are personalized sessions where we can cover specific questions and design needs for your home.