Everyday Toxins Are Silently Rewiring Our Kids’ Health

We often think of children’s health in terms of diet, exercise, and sleep — but there’s a hidden factor influencing development: exposomics.

Exposomics is the science of how everyday environmental exposures — from plastics and pesticides to air pollution and light at night — interact with our biology over time. It’s the focus of my upcoming PhD research, because we are only just beginning to understand how these exposures in childhood shape future health.

Children are uniquely vulnerable. Their bodies are still developing, they breathe more air per kilogram of body weight, and their detoxification systems are immature. Studies now link early exposure to pollutants and household chemicals with increased risk of asthma, allergies, hormonal disruption, and even neurodevelopmental challenges.

Consider just three examples:

• Plastics (BPA, phthalates): Found in food packaging and toys, plastics can mimic hormones, disrupting puberty timing and metabolism.

• Pesticides: Linked to attention and behavioural issues, especially in children with genetic sensitivities in detox pathways.

• Light pollution at night: Suppresses melatonin, interfering with sleep, immune regulation, and even growth.

While this sounds alarming, small changes make a big difference:

• Swap plastic food storage for glass or stainless steel.

• Choose organic or spray-free produce where possible.

• Prioritise clean indoor air: open windows daily, invest in a HEPA filter if needed.

• Keep bedrooms dark and screen-free at night.

Exposomics shows us that it’s not one toxin alone, but the cumulative load that matters. The encouraging message for parents is that every small swap lowers the overall burden. By lightening children’s toxic load now, we protect their hormonal, immune, and metabolic health for decades to come.