Düsseldorf (dpa / lnw) - According to the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of the Environment, the level of pollution caused by so-called plasticizers has fallen further in children. As part of a long-term study in NRW, in the most recent evaluation of urine samples from the years 2020/2021, controversial plasticizers were found in 8 of the 250 children examined above the threshold at which health effects can no longer be ruled out, said the NRW Ministry of the Environment Thursday with. As the State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection added to the dpa request, this was found in 15 of 251 children in 2011/1012, in 33 of 256 children in 2014/2015 and in 29 of 251 children in 2017/2018.
Environment Minister Oliver Krischer (Greens) sees the decline as a success of tightened regulatory measures. According to the ministry, the levels of plasticizers that were harmless to health were measured in the vast majority of urine samples from children aged three to six examined in 2020/2021. At the same time, Krischer emphasized that the level of pollution in children had to be further reduced. Because certain plasticizers have a negative effect on the body's hormone system and there are indications that they could impair fertility. Plasticizers can be found in many everyday products. They would be added to plastics to make them stretchy and malleable.
The examination cycle of three years is intended to serve as an early warning system as to which substances are in circulation, as the state office explains. In this way, however, it can also be determined which substances are decreasing again - especially after bans. Further individual reports are planned on fragrances, preservatives and pesticides, which are expected to be published in the first quarter of 2023.
