The study revealed that microplastics were present in all human placentas tested, causing concern among researchers regarding the possible effects on developing fetuses.

The researchers examined 62 samples of placental tissue and discovered that the most prevalent type of plastic was polyethylene, known for its use in making plastic bags and bottles. Another study discovered microplastics in all 17 of the human arteries tested and proposed that these particles could contribute to blocking blood vessels.

Recently, it was found that microplastics can be found in both human blood and breast milk, suggesting that people’s bodies are heavily contaminated. The potential effects on health are still uncertain, although studies have demonstrated that microplastics can harm human cells in controlled settings. These particles may become lodged in tissue, leading to inflammation similar to that caused by air pollution particles, or the chemicals in the plastics could also be damaging.

Enormous quantities of plastic garbage are discarded into our surroundings, and miniscule fragments of plastic have contaminated the entire world, spanning from the highest point of Mount Everest to the furthest depths of the oceans. It is known that people ingest these small particles through food and water, as well as through inhalation, and they have even been detected in the feces of both infants and adults.

According to Prof. Matthew Campen, who led the study at the University of New Mexico in the US, the effects observed on placentas could have a significant impact on all mammalian species worldwide. This is a cause for concern.

“He suggested that the rise of microplastics in human tissue could potentially account for puzzling trends in certain health issues such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colon cancer in individuals under the age of 50, and decreasing sperm counts. In a study conducted in 2021, it was discovered that those with IBD had a 50% increase in microplastics present in their feces.”

Campen expressed profound worry over the increasing plastic production worldwide, stating that it exacerbates the issue of microplastics in the environment.

A study published in the Toxicological Sciences journal revealed that all placenta samples tested contained microplastics in varying concentrations, with levels ranging from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of tissue. The most prevalent plastics found were PVC and nylon, followed by polyethylene.

Researchers used chemicals and a centrifuge to examine the microplastics, separating them from the tissue. They then heated and identified the unique chemical signature of each plastic. This same process was applied by scientists from Capital Medical University in Beijing, China to identify microplastics in samples taken from human arteries.

In 2020, scientists discovered the presence of microplastics in placentas from four healthy Italian women who had typical pregnancies and deliveries. The researchers noted that these tiny plastic particles may also contain harmful substances that can disrupt hormones and potentially impact human health over time.

Campen expressed concern about the amount of microplastics found in placentas. Unlike other organs, which have a longer period of time to accumulate toxins, placental tissue only grows for eight months and begins forming about a month into pregnancy.

Source: theguardian.com