NEW YORK (Enmaeya News) — September 24, 2025
Children exposed to chemicals in everyday plastics may face serious health risks that continue into adulthood, according to a new review published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.
The analysis looked at hundreds of recent studies and focused on three common chemical groups in plastics: phthalates, which make plastic flexible; bisphenols, which add strength; and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which make materials heat- and water-resistant.
“These chemicals are found in daily items such as food packaging and cosmetics,” said Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and lead author of the study.
The study also highlighted that heating plastics in a microwave can release microplastics and nanoparticles, which can then be ingested by children.
Researchers warn that early and repeated exposure could have long-lasting effects on health, urging parents and policymakers to reduce children’s contact with these materials.
