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Microplastics exposure: implications for human fertility, pregnancy and child health
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This review examines growing evidence that microplastics accumulate in the human placenta and may affect pregnancy outcomes and child development. Given that exposure during pregnancy can program lifelong health in offspring, the presence of these tiny plastic particles in reproductive tissues raises important concerns about fertility, pregnancy complications, and children's health.
Plastics found in our everyday environment are becoming an increasing concern for individual and population-level health, and the extent of exposure and potential toxic effects of these contaminants on numerous human organ systems are becoming clear. Microplastics (MPs), tiny plastic particles, appear to have many of the same biological effects as their plastic precursors and have the compounded effect of potential accumulation in different organs. Recently, microplastic accumulation was observed in the human placenta, raising important questions related to the biological effects of these contaminants on the health of pregnancies and offspring. These concerns are particularly heightened considering the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) framework, which postulates that in utero exposure can programme the lifelong health of the offspring. The current review examines the state of knowledge on this topic and highlights important avenues for future investigation.
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Exposure to micro- and nanoplastics and human reproductive outcomes: a systematic review
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This systematic review summarizes existing research on whether micro and nanoplastics affect human fertility and pregnancy outcomes. While the evidence is still emerging, the review found that these particles have been detected in placenta and fetal tissue, raising important questions about potential effects on reproductive health that warrant further study.
Microplastics: A threat to Fetoplacental unit and Reproductive systems
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This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics may harm the placenta and reproductive system, particularly during pregnancy. The authors highlight that these tiny plastic particles have been found in placental tissue and may interfere with fetal development, though they note that much more research is needed to understand the full risks to mothers and babies.
Microplastics and human fertility: A comprehensive review of their presence in human samples and reproductive implication
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This review examines the growing evidence linking microplastic and nanoplastic exposure to potential effects on human fertility. Researchers noted that these tiny plastic particles have been detected in blood, placenta, and seminal fluid, suggesting continuous systemic exposure and the ability to cross key biological barriers. Animal studies indicate that microplastics may affect reproductive health through oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and tissue damage, though more standardized human research is needed.
Plastic pollution in human reproduction: should we worry?
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Researchers reviewed evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross the placenta, enter amniotic fluid, and accumulate in reproductive tissues in both men and women. Animal and cell studies suggest these particles may reduce egg and sperm quality and harm fetal development, though most experiments use higher doses than people realistically encounter.
Understanding the impact of nanoplastics on reproductive health: Exposure pathways, mechanisms, and implications
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This review summarizes existing research on how nanoplastics (tiny plastic particles smaller than one micrometer) affect reproductive health in animals and potentially humans. Studies show that nanoplastics can accumulate in reproductive organs including the placenta, and evidence from animal studies links exposure to hormone disruption, reduced fertility, and developmental problems. The authors highlight a significant knowledge gap about nanoplastic effects on human reproduction, despite growing evidence that these particles reach our reproductive systems.
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