In 1974, and Regulators in the United States pass the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to set drinking water standards. In 1986 the Act was amended to ban the use of lead in drinking water pipes. Further legislation in 2011 regulated the use of lead in plumbing fixtures.
However, it was 2,000 years prior that Roman engineer Vitruvius discovered this problem and noted, “water is much more wholesome from earthenware pipes than from lead pipe” in 27 BC.
But the lead we feverishly put in the world through plumbing and later through leaded gas still haunts us today, circulating our environment in unnatural ways. About 10 million water service lines still contain lead which represents about 8% of all water service lines in the country. Lead is a powerful neurotoxic, and we are still addressing the lead spewed into the environment from the industrial revolution.
We may pride ourselves on being more environmentally conscious than previous generations, but the reality is that we are repeating history in a new form.
Enter Microplastics, the New Lead
Greed often drives these environmental missteps. For example, in the 1920s, leaded gasoline was promoted over ethanol, even though ethanol could have solved the engine “knocking” problem without the toxicity. Despite the known health risks, ethanol was cheap and plentiful, lead additives (branded as Ethanol, not Techron) were more profitable for oil companies. This decision prioritized profits over public health and set the stage for decades of lead poisoning.
Just as lead poisoned the bodies of past generations, we are now creating a similar environmental scourge for future generations in the form of plastics, microplastics, and the harmful chemicals associated with them. These materials, like lead, are likely affecting our health in profound ways, particularly the health of our children.
Similarly, plastics are remarkable materials with beneficial uses, but we’ve taken it too far, using them in almost every aspect of daily life. As a result, microplastics have infiltrated our environment and are now showing up inside our bodies. In just the last decade, scientists have found microplastics in placentas, breast milk, and even meconium — the first stool of newborns. Babies are estimated to have 10 to 20 times more plastic in their bodies than adults, raising serious concerns about the long-term health effects.
The implications are difficult to ignore. As with lead, we are only beginning to understand how this constant exposure to microplastics and associated chemicals might harm us, especially our children, whose developing systems are most vulnerable. What will future generations say about our choices? The time to act is now.
Major, Negative Impact to Child Development
The implications of microplastic exposure on childhood development are alarming as emerging science shows these particles and their associated chemicals can significantly disrupt key bodily systems. Microplastics, along with chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, interfere with the endocrine system, altering hormone function crucial for proper growth and development.
These disruptions have been linked to cognitive and behavioral issues, including impaired learning, memory problems, and increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD. Additionally, early exposure to these substances can negatively affect reproductive development, potentially leading to reduced fertility and abnormal organ development. The immune system is also vulnerable, with microplastics shown to weaken immune responses and increase susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases.
Moreover, metabolic disorders, such as obesity and insulin resistance, are increasingly tied to early-life exposure to these toxic chemicals, posing risks for cardiovascular diseases later in life. While more research is needed, these findings suggest that microplastic exposure during childhood could have profound long-term health effects, making it critical to limit exposure during these sensitive developmental periods.
The Call To Action:
As we’ve seen with lead, waiting for government action can take years, if not decades. While pushing for stronger regulations and government intervention is necessary, the first step is to do what we can as individuals to protect our families. We can reduce exposure by making mindful choices about the products we use at home, avoiding plastic when possible, and educating ourselves about safer alternatives.
At The Tribalist, this information of Non-Toxic Baby Products you can shop on our website. In addition, for a limited time, you can receive a copy of our NewBorn Shopping Guide.
If you’re interested in taking it a step farther, we offer 40 minute consultations for New and Expecting Moms. These are personalized sessions where we can cover specific questions, product recommendations, or design needs for your home.