Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Detection Methods Food & Water Human Health Effects Nanoplastics Reproductive & Development Sign in to save

Elevated Micro- and Nanoplastics Detected in Preterm Human Placentae

2025 8 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 63 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Eliane El Hayek, Marcus Garcia, Matthew J. Campen, Enrico R. Barrozo, Marian Olewine, Michael D. Jochum, Alexandra Hammerquist, J.McC. Howell, Matthew S. Stanford, Rui Liu, Emily Phan, Lori Showalter, Cynthia Shope, Melissa Suter, Kjersti M. Aagaard

Summary

This study found that placentas from preterm births contained 28% higher concentrations of micro- and nanoplastics compared to full-term births, with certain plastic types like PVC and polycarbonate strongly associated with earlier delivery. Specific plastics were also linked to lower birth weight and shorter pregnancies. These findings suggest that microplastic exposure during pregnancy may be a contributing factor to preterm birth, which is a leading cause of infant health complications.

Polymers

PC PE PET PU PVC

Body Systems

Reproductive

Recent analytical advancements have uncovered increasing micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in environmental, dietary, and biological domains, raising concerns about their health impacts. Preterm birth (PTB), a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, may be influenced by MNP exposure, yet this relationship remains unexplored. This study quantified 12 MNP polymers in placentae from term (n=87) and preterm (n=71) deliveries using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Cumulative MNP concentrations were 28% higher in PTB placentae (mean ±SD: 224.7 ± 180.7 μg/g vs. 175.5 ± 137.9 μg/g; p=0.038). Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU), and polycarbonate (PC) were significantly elevated in PTB, and PET, PU, and PC inversely correlated with gestational age and birth weight. Logistic regression identified PVC and PC as independent predictors of PTB. These findings suggest total and specific MNPs are associated with PTB, providing actionable insights and emphasizing the importance of minimizing exposure during pregnancy.

Elevated Micro- and Nanoplastics Detected in Preterm Human Placentae

Summary

Discussion