A group of scientists examined more than 60 placentas and found microplastics in all of them, according to research recently published in the journal Toxicological Sciences.
Although previous work has already demonstrated the presence of microplastics in human placentas, the recent research is the most extensive yet.
After analyzing tissue samples from 62 samples, the researchers identified concentrations of different types of microplastics in each of them.
Polyethylene, polypropylene and other plastics
The report describes that these concentrations ranged between 6.5 and 685 micrograms per gram of tissue, levels that are much higher than those found in the human bloodstream.
Scientists have been able to identify small particles in tissues thanks to a new technique that enables the efficient separation of biological material from plastics.
Among the plastics identified, polyethylene stands out, the most common and found in disposable bags or bottles. Other plastics discovered were polyvinyl chloride, nylon and polypropylene.
Its harmfulness is not clear
Microplastics have been found in all organs of the human body. Although it is believed that the concentration of these small particles can pose a health risk, it is not known whether they accumulate temporarily or permanently, and therefore the scientific community still agrees on their harm to humans.
The placenta is an organ that serves to transport the nutrients that the fetus needs for development. In this case, experts fear that high concentrations of microplastics could affect the health of the unborn child and its neurological development.
“The dose makes the poison”
In addition to more and more microplastics being found in the environment, the authors warn that concentrations of microplastics in the human body are also increasing.
“The dose makes the poison. If the doses keep going up, we start to worry. If we see effects on the placentas, then all mammals could be affected. That’s not good,” lead author Matthew Campen, a biologist at the University of California, Berkeley. , told Science Alert. University of New Mexico.
