Childhood exposure to chemicals found in plastic household items poses significant health risks that can last into adulthood, according to a recent review by experts at NYU Langone Health. The findings were published on September 21 in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health and coincide with a gathering of global experts in New York City to discuss the impact of plastics on human health.
The review examined hundreds of studies and highlighted three major classes of chemicals: phthalates, which make plastics flexible; bisphenols, which add rigidity; and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which provide heat resistance and water repellency. These chemicals are commonly present in products such as food packaging, cosmetics, and paper receipts.
Researchers found links between early-life exposure to these substances and a range of long-term health issues, including heart disease, obesity, infertility in both men and women, asthma, IQ loss, autism spectrum disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
“Our findings point to plastic’s role in the early origins of many chronic diseases that reverberate into adolescence and adulthood,” said Leonardo Trasande, MD, MPP, lead author of the study. “If we want kids to stay healthy and live longer, then we need to get serious about limiting the use of these materials,” added Dr. Trasande.
Dr. Trasande explained that as plastics are used or treated—such as being heated or washed—microplastics and nanoparticles can be released and ingested. These chemicals have been shown to cause inflammation throughout the body’s tissues and disrupt hormone function. There is also evidence suggesting they affect brain development.
The review discussed practical steps for families to reduce exposure. “There are safe, simple steps that parents can take to limit their children’s plastic exposure without breaking the bank,” said Dr. Trasande. He recommended using glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic ones and avoiding microwaving or dishwashing plastic items.
Health care providers can help by giving clear guidance so parents can make informed choices about products for their children. Dr. Trasande also suggested clinicians work with schools and community organizations to educate young people about these risks.
At a policy level, the authors called for stricter regulations on nonessential plastic items—especially in low-income communities where health disparities are more pronounced.
The timing of this report follows recent negotiations for the United Nations’ Global Plastics Treaty in Geneva last month. This treaty aims to address global plastic pollution through legally binding limits on production supported by over 100 countries.
Dr. Trasande emphasized the economic impact associated with health problems caused by plastic exposure: his research estimates related healthcare costs reach approximately $250 billion annually in the United States alone.
These topics will be addressed further at NYU Langone Health’s 2025 Plastics, Human Health, and Solutions Symposium on September 22. The event will cover new research on microplastics’ health effects and recent policy developments; it will be held at NYU Langone Health with an option for registered attendees to join via YouTube livestream.
While acknowledging that plastics remain essential for certain medical uses—such as ventilators for premature infants or nebulizers for children with asthma—the researchers stressed their findings do not challenge necessary medical applications but rather focus on reducing unnecessary use elsewhere.
Funding for this study came from several National Institutes of Health grants as well as Argentinian foundations and Serbia’s Science Fund. Senior authors include Marina Olga Fernandez from Argentina’s National Council for Scientific and Technical Research and Aleksandra Buha Đorđević from the University of Belgrade in Serbia.
NYU Langone Health is recognized nationally for its patient outcomes across its hospitals and outpatient locations. Vizient Inc. has ranked it first among comprehensive academic medical centers nationwide for four consecutive years while U.S. News & World Report recently ranked four clinical specialties number one nationally.
