Threat of Microplastics to Children: Health Risks to Kidneys, Liver, and Central Nervous System
Findings on the presence of microplastics in the human body have now reached a worrying stage, even before an individual is born. The Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) highlights evidence showing that the pollutant microplastics has been detected as far as the meconium or first faeces of newborns.
Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres. Due to their extremely small size, these particles can penetrate biological barriers in the human body.
This phenomenon indicates the transfer of micro-sized plastic material from mother to foetus through the placenta, a medical fact that demands high vigilance from parents and healthcare practitioners.
The Chair of the IDAI Central Board, who is also a paediatric cardiology consultant, DR Dr Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, Sp.A(K), explains that microplastics is a pollutant that cannot be naturally degraded and will thus persist in the body (bioaccumulative). Exposure occurs through various routes, from the food chain, drinking water, to the air inhaled daily.
“Even in the meconium of newborns, microplastics have been found. This means that sufficiently high levels of microplastics in the mother’s blood can be channeled through the placenta, entering the foetus’s body, and eventually becoming the baby’s meconium,” said Dr. Piprim.
Although the long-term impacts are still under further research, IDAI is concerned about its toxicity effects on various vital organs in children. Medically, the absorption of microplastics in each individual can show different clinical manifestations, depending on the exposed organ, such as:
In addition to consumption factors, Educational Play Tools (APE) become a significant source of exposure for children, especially toddlers who often put objects in their mouths (oral phase). IDAI emphasises the importance of parents being more discerning in reading material content on children’s toys and ensuring that safety standards are guaranteed in writing by the manufacturer.
The main concern arises from the use of plastics that are unstable to high temperature changes. “This makes us aware of the materials we use for eating and drinking, especially if they are later heated. This is certainly very dangerous for our health,” added Dr. Piprim.
As a preventive step, IDAI suggests that manufacturers and parents reconsider the use of safer and more environmentally friendly natural materials, such as:
To date, IDAI states that data on the percentage of babies exposed to microplastics in Indonesia is still secondary or refers to global studies. Therefore, national-scale primary research is needed to accurately map microplastic concentrations in meconium and children’s organs in Indonesia.
IDAI is currently continuing to review scientific evidence to compile more specific medical recommendations for the public. Cross-sectoral coordination, including with intoxication and toxicology experts, is necessary to validate the effects of this exposure on the health of future generations.
“We indeed need primary research conducted domestically on what the concern is regarding this microplastics issue, even towards meconium and so on. So we don’t speak without basis,” stressed Dr. Piprim.