Are children exposed to more microplastics than adults?
Yes, children face a higher risk from microplastics than adults. Peer-reviewed research indicates that children have a greater health risk due to how these particles move through the food web.
What's actually in it
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that end up in our food and water. They don't just stay in the environment. They move through the food web and eventually end up on our plates. Because children are still growing and eat more food relative to their body weight than adults, they take in more of these particles.
These plastics act as carriers for other harmful substances. Once they enter the body, they can build up over time. This process is known as bioaccumulation. For a developing child, this exposure happens during critical stages of growth.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Environ Pollut found that children face a higher health risk from microplastics compared to adults. The study looked at how these particles move through the food web in Wuliangsuhai Lake. It confirmed that the way microplastics transfer through the environment creates a specific and elevated danger for younger populations.
The research at a glance
What to use instead
Browse our vetted, non-toxic alternatives. Every product is third-party certified.
Shop Non-Toxic Baby