Plastic Exposure Associated with Obesity, Infertility, and Asthma in Vulnerable Populations — Evidence Review
Published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, by researchers from NYU Langone Health, National Council for Scientific and Technical Research, University of Belgrade
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Table of Contents
A new review highlights that chemicals found in everyday plastics are linked to increased risks of obesity, infertility, and asthma—especially when exposure occurs early in life. Related studies broadly support these findings, indicating consistent evidence for health impacts of plastic-associated chemicals.
- Multiple reviews and biomonitoring studies have shown that phthalates and related chemicals commonly present in plastics are associated with higher rates of obesity, metabolic disorders, reproductive challenges, and asthma, particularly in children 1 2 4.
- The literature further supports the role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in plastics, such as bisphenols and PFAS, in disrupting hormone regulation, immune function, and neurodevelopment, with some studies noting effects even at exposure levels previously considered safe 2 8 9 10 11.
- Several studies also emphasize the systemic health risks posed by micro- and nano-plastics, which can enter the body via ingestion or inhalation and may trigger immune responses or accumulate in various tissues 3 6 7.
Study Overview and Key Findings
Increasing attention is being paid to the potential health consequences of everyday plastic use, especially for children and pregnant individuals. The reviewed study, conducted by experts from NYU Langone Health and international collaborators, synthesizes a large body of evidence on the impact of plastic-associated chemicals on long-term health, underscoring the urgency of reducing exposure both at individual and policy levels. The study stands out for its focus on early-life exposure and its call for both practical family-level interventions and global policy change.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Study Year | 2025 |
| Organization | NYU Langone Health, National Council for Scientific and Technical Research, University of Belgrade |
| Journal Name | The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health |
| Authors | Leonardo Trasande, Marina Olga Fernandez, Aleksandra Buha Đorđević |
| Population | Pregnant people, fetuses, and children |
| Methods | Systematic Review |
| Outcome | Link between plastic chemicals and long-term health problems |
| Results | Plastic exposure linked to obesity, infertility, and asthma. |
Literature Review: Related Studies
A search of the Consensus database, encompassing over 200 million research papers, was conducted to identify relevant studies. The following search queries were used:
- plastic exposure obesity infertility asthma
- environmental plastics health effects
- endocrine disruptors obesity infertility asthma
Below, key themes from the related studies are grouped by research questions, with summarized findings and supporting citations.
| Topic | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| How do chemicals in plastics affect metabolic and reproductive health? | - Phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics are linked to increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, type II diabetes, and reproductive disorders such as reduced semen quality and infertility 1 2 8 9 10 11 12. - Early-life exposure to these chemicals can predispose individuals to metabolic and reproductive diseases, possibly through epigenetic mechanisms and hormonal disruption 9 10 11 12. |
| What are the immune and neurological effects of plastic exposure? | - Microplastic particles, such as polystyrene, can stimulate immune responses and inflammation in human cells, potentially contributing to chronic disease 3 7. - Some studies suggest that plastic nanoparticles may accumulate in the brain and other tissues, potentially affecting neurodevelopment and increasing risk for cognitive or behavioral disorders 6 7 2. |
| How do plastics contribute to environmental and public health risks? | - Improper disposal and environmental contamination by plastics can lead to widespread exposure to toxic chemicals, affecting both ecosystems and human health; marine ingestion can introduce microplastics into the food chain 5 6. - The leaching of toxic additives from plastics, especially when heated or degraded, poses inhalation and ingestion risks, with public health implications for both acute and chronic diseases 4 5 6. |
| What strategies exist for reducing health risks from plastic exposure? | - Recommendations include reducing use of plastic food containers, avoiding heating plastics, and choosing safer alternatives like glass or stainless steel; policy interventions targeting plastic production and use are considered necessary for broad impact 4 5. - Education and collaboration among healthcare providers, communities, and policymakers are highlighted as important for minimizing exposure, particularly among vulnerable populations 4 5. |
How do chemicals in plastics affect metabolic and reproductive health?
The related studies consistently show that plastic-associated chemicals, particularly endocrine disruptors like phthalates and bisphenols, are associated with adverse metabolic and reproductive outcomes. This body of research reinforces the current study's findings, highlighting that early-life exposures are especially consequential, with effects ranging from obesity to infertility.
- Several reviews document higher exposures to phthalates among children, with epidemiological links to obesity, diabetes, and reproductive disorders 1 2 10 11 12.
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals from plastics have been shown to alter hormone action, influence fat cell development, and affect neuroendocrine regulation of appetite and metabolism 9 10.
- Evidence supports that such exposures can result in changes to reproductive development, including reduced semen quality and altered anogenital distance in boys 2 8 9.
- Early-life (prenatal and childhood) exposures are linked to long-term health issues, potentially through persistent epigenetic changes 11 12.
What are the immune and neurological effects of plastic exposure?
Research into the immune and neurological impacts of plastic exposure is emerging, with studies indicating that microplastics can provoke inflammatory responses and may interfere with neurodevelopment. The new study's findings regarding cognitive issues and developmental conditions are in line with these observations.
- In vitro studies demonstrate that polystyrene microplastics can induce cytokine and chemokine production, indicating immune activation 3.
- Nanoplastics, due to their small size, may cross biological barriers and accumulate in tissues including the brain, potentially disrupting neurological functions 6 7.
- Some epidemiological evidence links plastic-associated chemicals to neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD and autism, aligning with the new study's conclusions 2 6.
- The health effects may depend on particle size, concentration, and the specific plastic or additive involved 3 7.
How do plastics contribute to environmental and public health risks?
The environmental persistence and widespread use of plastics lead to both direct and indirect health risks. Studies emphasize not only individual exposure through consumer products but also the broader implications of plastic pollution for public health.
- The leaching of additives such as phthalates and bisphenols from plastics into food, water, and air increases the risk of chronic exposure, particularly when plastics are heated or degraded 4 5.
- Marine and terrestrial pollution by plastics introduces micro- and nanoplastics into the food chain, with potential for bioaccumulation and ecosystem disruption 5 6.
- Public health risks extend to respiratory issues from burning plastics and ingestion of contaminated food or water 5.
- Environmental justice concerns are noted, as low-income communities are often disproportionately affected by plastic pollution and associated health risks 5.
What strategies exist for reducing health risks from plastic exposure?
Mitigation strategies identified in the literature mirror those recommended in the new study. Both individual behavioral changes and policy interventions are considered necessary for reducing exposure and health risks.
- Practical steps include avoiding plastic containers for food storage, especially during heating, and substituting plastics with safer materials 4 5.
- Policy-level actions, such as regulation of plastic use and increased recycling, are advocated to address the scale of the issue 4 5.
- Education of families, healthcare providers, and community organizations is seen as vital for effective risk reduction 4 5.
- Sustainable consumption and the "5 Rs" (reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink, restrain) are promoted as guiding principles for minimizing plastic exposure 4.
Future Research Questions
While evidence is growing regarding the health effects of plastic-associated chemicals, important gaps remain. Further research is needed to clarify mechanisms, quantify risks, and develop effective interventions for both individuals and populations.
| Research Question | Relevance |
|---|---|
| What are the long-term neurodevelopmental effects of early-life plastic chemical exposure? | While some studies suggest links to cognitive and behavioral disorders, further longitudinal research is needed to understand the specific neurodevelopmental outcomes and their mechanisms 2 6. |
| How do micro- and nano-plastics accumulate in human tissues, and what are their systemic health effects? | The bioaccumulation and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics in human tissues are not fully understood; research is needed to determine exposure pathways and potential health consequences 3 6 7. |
| What are the combined effects of multiple plastic-associated endocrine disruptors on metabolic health? | Most studies examine single chemicals, but real-world exposures involve mixtures; understanding potential additive or synergistic effects is critical for risk assessment and regulation 2 9 10 11. |
| Which policy interventions most effectively reduce population exposure to harmful plastics? | There is a need to evaluate and compare the impact of different regulatory and community-level interventions, particularly in diverse socioeconomic settings 4 5. |
| How does plastic exposure during pregnancy affect offspring health across the lifespan? | Early-life exposures may have persistent effects on health, but long-term, multi-generational studies are needed to map these impacts over time 1 9 12. |