Plastic Contamination in Placentas Raises Concerns for Developing Foetuses

Researchers conducting a study have discovered microplastics in every human placenta they tested, bringing attention to potential health impacts on developing foetuses. The analysis involved 62 placental tissue samples, and the most commonly detected plastic was polyethylene, commonly used in the production of plastic bags and bottles. This finding, combined with a separate study identifying microplastics in human arteries, has led scientists to suggest a potential link between the particles and the clogging of blood vessels.

Widespread Presence of Microplastics Raises Health Concerns

Microplastics have recently been detected in human blood and breast milk, indicating extensive contamination of individuals’ bodies. Although the impact of microplastics on human health is still unknown, laboratory studies have shown that these particles can cause damage to human cells. The potential health risks include inflammation due to the lodging of particles in tissues, as well as harmful effects resulting from chemicals present in plastics.

Unprecedented Plastic Pollution Affects All Aspects of Life

A concerning amount of plastic waste is being irresponsibly disposed of, leading to the pervasiveness of microplastics throughout the planet. From the highest peak of Mount Everest to the deepest parts of the oceans, microplastics have contaminated diverse ecosystems. Individuals unknowingly consume these particles through food, water, and even inhalation, and they have been discovered in the faeces of both babies and adults.

Expanding Concerns and Health Implications

Professor Matthew Campen from the University of New Mexico, who spearheaded the research, warns that if these effects are observed in placentas, then the overall well-being of mammalian life could be in jeopardy. The rising concentration of microplastics found in human tissue may account for the increasingly prevalent health problems, including inflammatory bowel disease, early-onset colon cancer, and declining sperm counts. Interestingly, individuals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease were found to have 50% more microplastics in their faeces.

Growing Concerns and the Need for Action

Professor Campen voices deep apprehension about the escalating global production of plastics, as it exacerbates the issue of microplastics in the environment. The study, published in the Toxicological Sciences journal, confirmed the presence of microplastics in all placenta samples, with concentrations ranging from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of tissue. The research teams used advanced chemical and centrifugation methods to separate microplastics from the tissue samples, providing a means to analyze and detect specific plastics.

Human Placenta Study and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The revelation of microplastics in placentas dates back to 2020 when researchers in Italy conducted a study with samples obtained from four healthy women who had normal pregnancies and births. These initial findings prompted further investigation into the potential long-term effects of microplastics, including their capacity to act as endocrine disruptors and impact human health. Professor Campen emphasizes the unique concern regarding microplastic concentrations in placentas since the tissue only develops over a span of eight months, unlike other organs that accumulate pollutants over longer periods.