In a June 2026 peer-reviewed article published in Environment International, a group of researchers and health professionals from across the United States call for action to protect children from the potential neurotoxic effects of plastic chemicals and micro- and nanoplastics.
In the article, the group describes the current exposure of fetuses, infants, and young children to plastic chemicals and micro- and nanoplastics (FPF reported here, here, and here). They discuss the known neurotoxicity of key chemicals used to manufacture plastics, including those commonly used in food packaging such as ortho-phthalates (FPF reported) and bisphenols (FPF reported and here), and the emerging evidence for neurotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics (FPF reported and here). Based on the current body of research, the authors “conclude that the presence and impact of toxic chemical additives to plastics and potentially microplastics themselves on children’s brains and bodies constitute a significant public health concern.”
“In light of strong evidence of harm from toxic plastics-derived chemicals in fetal, infant, and children’s brains and bodies, along with mounting evidence of harm from the microplastics particles themselves,” the authors, “call for swift action to protect our children and future generations.” They state that preventing or limiting exposure to toxic chemicals can protect children from neurodevelopmental impairments or reduce their severity, lowering the burden on children, their families, and society. They call for policy solutions rather than putting the onus on individuals to limit personal exposure.
The authors’ policy recommendations that are relevant to food packaging exposure pathways include:
- Banning classes of toxic chemicals, starting with immediate bans on neurotoxic chemical classes in food contact materials and other packaging
- Phasing out the production and use of the most toxic plastic polymers
- Preventing the recycling and incineration of plastics to reduce pollution
- Reducing the use of plastic and support the adoption of reuse and refill systems
- Limiting plastic production for unnecessary uses
- Banning intentionally added micro- and nanoplastics in all products
- Requiring full transparency of the chemicals used to manufacture plastics, including all chemicals present in the final product
- Adding microplastics to the U.S. national biomonitoring program
- Finalizing a strong, legally binding Global Treaty on Plastics Pollution and create enforceable provisions to reduce the production, use, and disposal of plastics and toxic chemicals in plastics
Reference
Marsit, CJ et al. (2026). “Protecting the developing brains of children from Plastics-Derived chemicals and microplastic particles.” Environment International. DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110284
