World Environment Day 2025 Theme: Shocking Truth About How Microplastics Invade Babies

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There's plastic in our oceans, in our soil, in the fish we eat-and now, alarmingly, inside our bodies. But what if the most vulnerable among us-babies-are absorbing more of this invisible pollution than we imagined?

As the world observes World Environment Day 2025 on 5 June, the theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution' strikes a deeply personal chord for many- How Do Microplastics Invade Babies? It's no longer just about saving the planet. It's about saving the human body-especially those that haven't even learned to walk.

In an exclusive interview with Boldsky, Dr Basavaraj Kuntoji, Consultant, Internal Medicine at Manipal Hospitals warns that while much of the population is still waking up to the crisis of plastic inside human bloodstreams, infants may already be the silent casualties.

'Microplastics are everywhere-in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and increasingly, in our food supply. Babies, with their underdeveloped systems, are absorbing them more easily and more dangerously than adults,' says Dr Kuntoji.

While microplastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, the nanoplastics are even smaller-measuring under 1,000 nanometers. They originate from packaging, clothing, household items, and degraded plastic waste. Once these particles enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or even skin contact, they don't just pass through. They accumulate. And in babies, this accumulation can be far more dangerous, he says.

Womb To World: Microplastics Are Already Inside

The invasion of microplastics doesn't begin at birth. Studies have detected microplastics in placental tissues, amniotic fluid, and even umbilical cord blood. This means that babies are likely exposed before their first breath. Pregnant women consuming bottled water, food stored in plastic, or exposed to airborne microplastics unknowingly pass these particles on to their babies.

Once in the body, microplastics can lodge in major organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain. In infants, these organs are still developing, making them far more susceptible to disruption. Particles this small can even breach the blood-brain barrier, a critical defence mechanism that's not fully developed in newborns.

Feeding Time: The Hidden Plastic in Baby Bottles and Formula

Feeding practices, though seemingly safe, are among the largest contributors to microplastic exposure in babies. Formula prepared in plastic bottles release millions of microplastic particles, especially when heated. Even when labelled BPA-free, many bottles use alternative compounds like BPS or BPF, which may have similar or even worse effects on health.

Breastfeeding offers some protection, but microplastics have also been found in breast milk, primarily due to the mother's diet and environmental exposure. Additionally, storing expressed milk in plastic containers or reheating it in plastic can still introduce microplastics into the milk.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended not shaking or heating formula in plastic bottles, yet such practices remain common due to convenience or lack of awareness. This tiny exposure, repeated daily, adds up to a silent, long-term risk.

Toys, Teethers, and Sippy Cups: Everyday Objects, Invisible Danger

What a baby touches, they mouth. Teethers, pacifiers, and plastic toys-many of them made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, or polycarbonate plastics-can release small amounts of plastic into a baby's saliva, especially when worn out or chewed aggressively.

Even more misleading is the comfort of 'BPA-free' labels. Most parents trust these as safe alternatives. However, research shows that the plasticizers used in place of BPA may mimic or interfere with hormones just as much. These hormone-disrupting chemicals can alter cell signalling, disrupt metabolism, and influence everything from thyroid function to reproductive development.

Sippy cups and bowls made from plastics, especially those used to serve warm liquids or meals, can also leach micro- and nanoplastics. The higher the temperature, the greater the leaching. Plastics used in daily baby products were never meant to withstand high heat or prolonged exposure to acidity, yet these are common in feeding routines.

The Body Fights Back-But Not Always Enough

While adults may have more robust detoxification systems, a baby's immune system is still learning to recognize and neutralize threats. Studies suggest that microplastics can trigger chronic, low-grade inflammation in the gut and disrupt the balance of healthy gut bacteria.

Dr Kuntoji explains, 'Microplastics don't just remain inert. They can cause oxidative stress, cellular inflammation, and interfere with immune responses. For children, this can mean a higher risk of allergies, developmental delays, or unexplained gastrointestinal discomfort.'

Additives in plastics-like dyes, flame retardants, and phthalates-can amplify this toxicity. These compounds are lipophilic, meaning they're stored in fat, and can accumulate over time. A growing concern in pediatric research is how these plastics affect hormonal health and early puberty, cognitive development, and even future fertility.

The Brain, the Heart, And The Long-Term Risks

More than just physical exposure, recent evidence suggests microplastics are making their way into the cardiovascular system. A groundbreaking 2024 study found the presence of plastic particles in atheroma-the fatty deposits that clog human arteries. This indicates a potential link between microplastic exposure and cardiovascular disease. While these findings have been primarily in adults, they raise alarming possibilities for long-term impacts in children.

There is also growing evidence that microplastics in the bloodstream can influence neurological development. Babies and toddlers exposed to high levels of plastic-related toxins may experience slower cognitive development, mood disorders, and attention regulation issues. These effects aren't always visible at first-but the damage may be foundational, affecting the child's physical and emotional health for years.

So, What Can Parents Do?

This isn't a call for panic-but for awareness. While it's nearly impossible to eliminate plastic exposure entirely in today's world, parents can take meaningful steps to reduce the risks.

Dr. Kuntoji recommends, 'Choose glass or stainless steel containers wherever possible, especially for storing and heating baby food or milk. Avoid using plastic in the microwave altogether, and be wary of products marketed as 'BPA-free'-it doesn't mean they are safe.'

For teethers and toys, go for those made from natural rubber, untreated wood, or food-grade silicone. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to reduce microplastic contamination from polluted water. And avoid fast food packaging or processed foods heavily wrapped in plastic.

Filter tap water at home using a high-grade water purifier to reduce microplastic particles. Keep indoor air clean with proper ventilation, as household dust is a surprisingly rich source of plastic fibres from carpets, clothing, and upholstery.

The Systemic Solution: Beyond the Home

Protecting babies from microplastics should not just be the responsibility of parents. Regulatory bodies must enforce stricter guidelines on plastic manufacturing, especially for items intended for children. Clear labelling, third-party safety certifications, and independent testing should become mandatory.

Hospitals, daycares, and even manufacturers of baby care products must rethink materials used in day-to-day items. Industry accountability must match consumer education.

Ultimately, this isn't just an environmental crisis-it's a generational one. The microplastics that began as pollution in our rivers are now flowing through the veins of our children. World Environment Day 2025 is not just a moment to spotlight the crisis-it's an urgent call to act.