A sweeping review from NYU Langone Health reveals that everyday exposure to plastics—especially during childhood—poses lasting risks for heart disease, infertility, asthma, and even brain development issues.
The review, which synthesized hundreds of recent studies, found that chemicals used to make plastic flexible (phthalates), rigid (bisphenols), and resistant to heat and water (PFAS) are of particular concern. These toxins, found in food packaging, cosmetics, and household items, can be ingested as plastics are used, heated, or break down.
The research links early-life exposure to these substances to a range of long-term health problems by disrupting hormonal function and prompting an overactive immune response. The evidence also connects exposure to IQ loss and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD.
"Our findings point to plastic's role in the early origins of many chronic diseases that reverberate into adolescence and adulthood," said study lead author and pediatrician Dr. Leonardo Trasande.
The review also suggests practical solutions. For parents, replacing plastic containers with glass or stainless steel and avoiding microwaving or dishwashing plastic can significantly reduce exposure. At a policy level, the researchers call for stricter measures to reduce non-essential plastic, highlighting the urgent need for a strong UN Global Plastics Treaty. They estimate the annual health care costs of plastic exposure in the United States alone to be roughly $250 billion.
The findings do not challenge the essential use of plastics in healthcare but instead highlight the dangers of its unnecessary use in daily life.