Parents
Babies deserve the safest start in life, but they can be exposed to harmful chemicals and plastics: in hospitals, at home, or out in the world. These exposures can happen during their most vulnerable stages of development, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Great potential,
enormous impact
A growing body of evidence shows that the experiences and environments that shape babies’ first 1,000 days, from conception to their second birthday, play a crucial role in influencing their future health.
During this vulnerable stage, babies’ developing systems are especially sensitive to external influences. Exposure to harmful chemicals and plastic products—whether in hospitals, at home, or in the wider environment—can lead to severe and lasting health issues, including chronic diseases, diabetes, and even cancer.
The Babies vs. Plastics report, launched in November 2023, highlighted evidence linking babies’ exposure to plastics with risks such as cancer, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other conditions caused by endocrine system disruption.
For example, young children’s exposure to phthalates, a chemical used in many common plastics, was associated with a 20% higher rate of childhood cancer overall in a study of more than 2,000 cases.
From healthcare supplies to everyday household items, these risks are preventable. By taking action to reduce exposure in hospitals, homes, and beyond, we can protect babies during this critical window of development and safeguard their future health.
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Join us on our journey to drive transformative change in healthcare, so that the next generation of babies is Born Green. Get in touch to find out how to become a partner and apply the Born Green Generation model in your hospital.
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