Inquinamento da microplastiche e salute: cosa ne sappiamo e cosa può fare il pediatra

Abstract

Plastic is a daily-use material, cheap and versatile, widely used since the 1950s. However, plastic is poorly biodegradable and tends to persist over time in the environment. The ubiquitous diffusion of plastic has been shown in seas, soil, air, and at all food chain levels. Plastic degradation particles (microplastics) enter the human body and are documented in various organs and tissues to overcome the cell barrier. Although their effects on health are not yet clear, these microplastics can potentially affect health. Pediatricians can play an important role in reducing plastic use by recreating plastic-free environments in their clinics and outpatient offices and by promoting advice to families in order to improve their lifestyles and reduce their plastic consumption and its diffusion in the environment.