Protecting Children’s Developing Brains: Hazards of Plastics and Chemicals in Plastics

A growing body of evidence shows that plastics and associated toxic chemicals contribute to neurodevelopmental disabilities and cognitive deficits in children. The global crisis of plastic production and waste is increasing exponentially. Today’s infants are born with their brains and bodies already burdened by plastics: micro- and nano-plastic particles have been found in the placenta and in newborns’ first stool, and further exposures occur through breastmilk and infant formula.

A briefing paper by Project TENDR synthesizes the latest science on fetal and early childhood exposures to plastics and the resulting harm to children’s developing brains. It outlines the widespread exposure to plastics and associated chemicals, such as ortho-phthalates, bisphenols, and flame retardants, which are linked to cognitive deficits and developmental disabilities in children.

The paper makes several recommendations to strengthen the global plastics treaty, including measures to address the toxicity and proliferation of plastics, and to regulate chemicals by class. Following the recent wrap-up of the third round of treaty negotiations in May, the treaty is set to begin the final session of negotiations in October 2024.

In this webinar, Dr. Linda Birnbaum, Dr. Carmen Marsit, and Maureen Swanson will discuss how children’s developing brains are harmed by the effects of plastics and toxic chemicals in plastics.