The Invisible Poison: Everyday Toxins In The Bodies Of 90% Of Young Children In The US

Young children are exposed daily to dozens of chemicals found in plastics, cosmetics, food, and the air, many of which are potentially dangerous and not even officially monitored. A study of over 200 children showed that, in many cases, they have more toxins in their bodies than their mothers did during pregnancy. This is concerning because these substances can affect brain development, hormones, and long-term health.

In the first years of life, the human body undergoes intense growth and extremely delicate development, especially in the brain and immune system. It is precisely during this time that children are most vulnerable to external influences, including exposure to chemicals present in the environment.

While much is said about care during pregnancy, a new study reveals that the period after birth is also critical. Toxic substances can continue to enter children's bodies through simple, everyday means, such as contact with toys, food, clothing, furniture, hygiene products, and even the air they breathe.

A recent, comprehensive study, funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and conducted within the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, analyzed urine samples from 201 children aged 2 to 4, living in four U.S. states (California, Georgia, New York, and Washington).

The goal was to assess the presence of different chemical substances in these children's bodies and compare them with the levels found in their mothers during pregnancy. The study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, revealed worrying data: the children had a surprising mix of chemicals in their bodies, with levels in many cases higher than those found in their mothers during pregnancy.

A total of 111 different chemical substances were tested, and 96 of them were detected in at least five children. More than half of the participants had 48 of these substances, and 34 were present in more than 90% of the samples, including nine compounds that are not even monitored by official national health surveys, such as the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

These substances come from a variety of common sources, such as plastics, pesticides, cosmetics, cleaning products, and materials used in furniture construction.

Among the most commonly found substances are phthalates, used in toys and packaging; parabens, common in shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics; bisphenols, found in plastics and thermal paper receipts; agricultural and household pesticides; flame retardants, used in furniture and fabrics; and even bactericides, found in antibacterial soaps.

Compounds such as triclosan, benzophenones (used in sunscreen), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are byproducts of burning fuel, cigarettes, and grilled foods, have also been found.

These substances reach children's bodies through simple routes: through the air they breathe, the food they eat, the surfaces they touch, or even by touching their hands to their mouths, something they do frequently at this stage of life. Furthermore, because they weigh little, any amount of toxic substance has a proportionally greater impact on your body.

The study also revealed significant disparities. Younger children (2 years old) had higher concentrations of chemicals compared to older children (3 and 4 years old). Children who are not firstborns, meaning they have older siblings, tend to have higher levels of these substances. And those belonging to ethnic and racial minority groups also showed higher levels of compounds such as parabens and phthalates, suggesting social and environmental inequalities.

Another relevant finding was the comparison between the substances found in children and those present in their mothers' urine during pregnancy. In several cases, such as bisphenol S (a BPA substitute), pesticides such as 3-PBA and trans-DCCA, and two types of phthalates, levels were higher in children than in mothers. This indicates that exposure to these substances not only continues after birth, but may even intensify.

Despite some good news, such as the decline in levels of triclosan, parabens, and certain phthalates over the analyzed period (2010 to 2021), other substances are on the rise. This is the case with the alternative plasticizer DINCH and newer pesticides such as acetamiprid (a neonicotinoid) and pyrethroids. This reinforces the need to increase monitoring of new chemical substances that are constantly entering the market and the environment.

The scientists' biggest warning is clear: early exposure to these substances can have long-term negative effects, such as hormonal changes, learning difficulties, neurodevelopmental disorders, and even immune problems.

As Deborah H. Bennett, a professor at the University of California (UC Davis) and one of the study's authors, explains, "Childhood is a critical window for brain and body development." Therefore, the impacts of this exposure during this period can be profound and long-lasting.

The researchers call for more stringent action from public health authorities. This includes increased biomonitoring, that is, the constant tracking of these substances in people's bodies, and stricter regulations on the use of potentially toxic compounds, especially in products aimed at children.

While it's virtually impossible to completely eliminate contact with chemicals in today's world, there are some simple steps families can take to reduce this risk:

- Avoid products with fragrances, parabens, and phthalates; read labels.

- Choose packaging and toys free of BPA and other harmful plastics (avoid plastics labeled 3, 6, and 7).

- Wash children's hands frequently, especially before eating.

- Ventilate rooms well and, if possible, use HEPA air filters.

- Wash fruits and vegetables carefully and, whenever possible, choose organic foods.

- Clean floors and furniture with a damp cloth, avoiding the accumulation of dust, which can contain chemical residues.

This study serves as an important wake-up call for parents, healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers. Protecting children from harmful chemical exposures must be an urgent priority, as the well-being of future generations is at stake.

READ MORE:

Exposures to Contemporary and Emerging Chemicals among Children Aged 2 to 4 Years in the United States Environmental Influences on the Child Health Outcome (ECHO) Cohort

Jiwon Oh, Jessie P. Buckley, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Edo Pellizzari, Rachel L. Miller, Theresa M. Bastain, Anne L. Dunlop, Christian Douglas, Frank D. Gilliland, Julie B. Herbstman, Catherine Karr, Christina A. Porucznik, Irva Hertz-Picciotto, Rachel Morello-Frosch, Sheela Sathyanarayana, Rebecca J. Schmidt, Tracey J. Woodruff, Deborah H. Bennett, and the ECHO Cohort Consortium

Environmental Science & Technology. 30 June 2025

DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c13605

Abstract: 

Prenatal and early life exposure to environmental chemicals can increase the risk of multiple adverse child health outcomes. However, biomonitoring data for young children remain limited. This study leveraged the nationwide Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Cohort to assess chemical exposures in 201 children aged 2–4 years between 2010 and 2021. A total of 111 analytes across multiple chemical classes were simultaneously quantified in single spot urine specimens collected from each child and their mother during pregnancy, and concentrations were compared between child and prenatal maternal samples. Among the 111 analytes, 96 were detected in at least five children and 48 analytes in over 50% of children. Thirty-four were ubiquitously detected (>90%), nine of which have not been included in U.S. national biomonitoring: benzophenone-1, triethyl phosphate, and metabolites of six phthalates and one alternative plasticizer. Concentrations of bisphenol S, three pesticide biomarkers, and two phthalate biomarkers were higher in children than in mothers, while those of triclosan and monoethyl phthalate were higher in mothers. This study reveals frequent exposure to multiple chemicals in young U.S. children, often exceeding prenatal levels. Expanded biomonitoring of emerging chemicals of concern and studies of their health effects in this vulnerable population are warranted.