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Microplastics and additives in patients with preterm birth: The first evidence of their presence in both human amniotic fluid and placenta
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In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers found microplastics and plastic additives in both the amniotic fluid and placentas of women who experienced preterm premature rupture of membranes. Out of 10 patients, 9 had plastic particles in at least one sample, with chlorinated polyethylene being the most common type found. While it is too early to draw conclusions about a causal link to preterm birth, the presence of plastics in the womb environment raises serious concerns.
Considering the well documented, almost ubiquitous nature of microplastics in different environments, the exposure of pregnant women to microplastics may pose risks to the unborn children. The study focused on investigating the presence of microplastics in amniotic fluid and placenta, and brings the first evidence of the simultaneous presence of microplastics and additives in both human amniotic fluid and placentas. In total, 20 samples of amniotic fluid and placenta from 10 patients were analyzed for the presence of microplastics and plastic additives by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy - attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) after alkaline digestion with KOH. In 9 out of 10 patients, microplastics or additives were found in amniotic fluid, placenta, or both. Specifically, 44 particles of microplastics and polymer additives were identified in all samples. Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) and Calcium zinc PVC Stabilizer with particle sizes between 10 and 50 μm prevailed. Although all women involved in this study, who provided placenta and amniotic fluid samples, experienced physiological, singleton pregnancies complicated with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM), it is too early to draw any conclusions and more research is needed.
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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.
Placental Micro- and Nanoplastic Contamination: A Systematic Review of Eco-Exposome Pathways to Preterm Birth and Neonatal Outcomes
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This systematic review examined evidence that micro- and nanoplastics have been found in human placentas and may be linked to preterm birth. The particles appear to cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of placental function through multiple molecular pathways, raising concerns about the impact of plastic pollution on pregnancy outcomes and newborn health.
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Using two different detection methods, researchers confirmed the presence of microplastics in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women, finding six types of plastic particles including Teflon, polystyrene, and ABS. While no immediate link to pregnancy complications was found in this study, the confirmed presence of plastics in the fluid surrounding developing babies highlights the need for larger long-term studies.
Early life in the Plasticene: short- and long-term effects of perinatal exposure to microplastics and plastic-associated chemicals – PART I
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This review summarizes existing research on how babies may be exposed to microplastics and plastic chemicals before birth. Studies found microplastics in the placenta, amniotic fluid and cord blood, with possible links to altered fetal growth and hormone levels, though evidence remains preliminary and limited by inconsistent study methods.
Human reproductive exposure to microplastics: A multi-technique analytical study of menstrual and amniotic fluids
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles called microplastics in menstrual blood and amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds babies in the womb) for the first time. These plastic pieces came from common materials like water bottles and food packaging, showing that plastic pollution is reaching deep into our reproductive systems. While we don't yet know what health effects this might cause, the discovery raises important questions about how widespread plastic contamination could affect pregnancy and reproductive health.
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