New York (dpa -AFX) – Early contact with chemicals made of plastics can result in considerable health risks until adulthood. This is the result of an evaluation of hundreds of current studies published in the journal “The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health”. Children are exposed to acute danger from plastic in the environment.
Among other things, the overview is considered three fabric classes in plastic: phthalates that make plastics flexible, on bisphenols that ensure strength, and on per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAs) that make materials heat resistant and water-repellent.
These chemicals are, for example, in everyday products such as food packaging, cosmetics or paper documents, as Study Head of Leonardo Trasande, professor of pediatrics at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York. For example, when heating plastic in the microwave, microplastics and nanoparticles could be released and swallowed.
IQ loss, hormone disorder, heart problems
There are robust indications that substances from plastic products favor diseases in several organs and disrupt the function of hormones, the team writes with reference to studies in the laboratory and with humans. In addition, the stress caused by toxins from the plastic is associated with disorders in the nervous system, reduced fertility and IQ loss. There are also possible relationships between chemicals with long -term diseases such as heart problems, ADHD, obesity or low birth weight.
“Our results indicate the role of plastic in the early creation of many chronic diseases that sustainably sustainably sustainably sustainably until youth and adulthood,” said study director Trasande, according to a press release. “If we want children to stay healthy and live longer, we have to seriously restrict the use of these materials,” he demands.
According to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), the previous findings are not sufficient to be able to estimate concrete risks due to microplastics for human health. “Despite the existing uncertainties in the evaluation, the overall view of the present study situation has a sufficient reason to accept health damage caused by microplastics in humans.”
Researchers: Seriously restrict the use of the materials
The research team also refers to protection options. So it could help to replace plastic containers made of glass or stainless steel and not to put plastic in the microwave or the dishwasher. “There are safe and simple measures with which parents can limit their children’s plastic pollution without blowing up their budget,” said Trasande. Doctors and schools could also contribute to clarification.
However, it is controversial whether drinks in glass bottles actually contain less microplastics than those in plastic bottles. A certain amount of microplastics was also discovered in glass bottles, said Eleonore Fröhlich from the Medical University of Graz. Studies have shown that glass bottles are not necessarily better in the area. In any case, plastic vessels are a source of particles. “But also many sea animals and salt contain a comparatively large number of microplastics.”
The research team at the same time underlines that plastics in medicine remain indispensable – for example in ventilation devices for premature babies, nebuliaries or infection protection masks. However, her commitment is to be complained about where he can be avoided.
Researchers are calling for measures of governments
Politically, the experts are calling for stricter regulations. It was only in August that the community of states in Geneva negotiated again on a global plastic contract. More than 100 states are committed to binding production boundaries. However, an agreement did not come about. The session was postponed ./ram/dp/stw
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