We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Plastic and Life
ClearPlasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta
In a landmark study, researchers detected microplastics in human placental tissue for the first time, finding 12 plastic fragments in placentas from four out of six women with healthy pregnancies. The particles were identified as polypropylene and dyed plastics likely from packaging or cosmetics, raising concerns about potential effects on fetal development and pregnancy.
Particulate contamination of human placenta: Plastic and non-plastic
Researchers examined human placentas and found both microplastic particles and non-plastic particulates embedded in the tissue, confirming that the womb is not a fully protected environment. This study highlights that unborn babies are exposed to a mixture of environmental contaminants before birth, raising questions about how these particles might affect fetal development.
Human reproductive exposure to microplastics: A multi-technique analytical study of menstrual and amniotic fluids
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.
Deeply in Plasticenta: Presence of Microplastics in the Intracellular Compartment of Human Placentas
Researchers analyzed human placenta samples and for the first time located microplastics within the intracellular compartment of placental tissue, not just on the surface. They found various polymer types including polyethylene and polypropylene embedded inside placental cells. The discovery that microplastics penetrate into the interior of human cells raises new questions about their potential biological effects during pregnancy.
The Invisible Threat: Microplastics in Human Blood and Placenta
This review summarized current evidence on microplastic detection in human blood and placenta, discussing what is known about how these particles enter the bloodstream and reach fetal tissue. The authors highlight the potential implications for maternal and fetal health.
Microplastics in the Perinatal Period: Emerging Evidence on Maternal Exposure, Placental Transfer, and Fetal Health Outcomes
This review summarizes emerging evidence that microplastics can cross the placenta and reach developing babies, having been detected in maternal blood, placental tissue, amniotic fluid, cord blood, and breast milk. The tiny plastic particles may damage the placenta, disrupt hormones, alter immune responses, and potentially affect fetal growth and brain development. While more research is needed, the findings raise serious concerns about microplastic exposure during pregnancy and its implications for infant health.
Detection of Microplastic in Human Placenta and Meconium in a Clinical Setting
Researchers detected microplastic particles larger than 50 micrometers in human placenta and meconium (a baby's first stool) collected during cesarean deliveries. This is significant because it provides direct evidence that microplastics are present in the womb and are being passed to babies before and during birth. The study emphasizes the need for careful contamination controls in clinical studies and calls for further research on nano-sized plastics in human tissue.
Particulate Contamination of Human Placenta: Plastic and non-plastic
Researchers characterized both plastic and non-plastic particulate contaminants found in human placental tissue from healthy pregnancies. They detected microplastics alongside other particles in placenta samples collected from both vaginal and caesarean deliveries at an urban Canadian hospital. The findings add to growing evidence that the human womb is exposed to a variety of environmental particulate contaminants during pregnancy.
Plasticenta: Microplastics in Human Placenta
This study analyzed six human placentas using Raman microspectroscopy and found colored microplastic particles in all samples, providing direct evidence that microplastics can cross the placental barrier and reach fetal tissue. This groundbreaking finding demonstrates that unborn babies are exposed to microplastics before birth, raising urgent questions about potential developmental impacts.
Uptake, Transport, and Toxicity of Pristine and Weathered Micro- and Nanoplastics in Human Placenta Cells
Researchers tested how both new and environmentally weathered micro- and nanoplastics are taken up by human placental cells in laboratory experiments. They found that the placental cells internalized and transported plastic particles regardless of whether they were pristine or aged, with some types affecting gene expression. The study suggests that placental cells are vulnerable to microplastic exposure and that weathering in the environment does not eliminate the particles' ability to enter human tissue.
Microplastics: A threat to Fetoplacental unit and Reproductive systems
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.
Placental plastics in young women from general population correlate with reduced foetal growth in IUGR pregnancies
Researchers analyzed placenta samples from 43 women and found plastic particles present, then examined whether their presence correlated with birth outcomes. They found a significant association between higher concentrations of placental plastics and reduced fetal growth in pregnancies affected by intrauterine growth restriction. The study provides early evidence suggesting that plastic particle accumulation in the placenta may be linked to impaired fetal development.
Abstracts
The AURORA project — a European interdisciplinary study — is developing analytical tools to measure microplastics in pregnant women and newborns, a period of heightened vulnerability to environmental contaminants. Early results already confirm microplastics are present in the placenta, can cross into placental cells, and carry complex chemical profiles, underscoring the urgency of understanding whether prenatal plastic exposure affects child development.
Microplastics in maternal blood, fetal appendages, and umbilical vein blood
Researchers detected 16 different types of microplastics in maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, and fetal tissues (placenta, amniotic fluid, fetal membrane, and umbilical cord) from 12 pregnant women who delivered by cesarean section. The most common plastics found were polyamide and polyurethane, and microplastic levels in amniotic fluid increased with maternal age and pre-pregnancy body weight, confirming that these particles can pass from mother to fetus.
Year 116 of the plastic age: a Pandora’s box as a time bomb for pregnancy? Review of clinical and fundamental data on prenatal exposure to plastics
This review examined evidence for micro- and nanoplastic presence in the human placenta and assessed implications for pregnancy outcomes, synthesizing in vitro, ex vivo, and epidemiological data. Multiple plastic types were detected in placental tissue from the basal plate to fetal membranes, and the authors raised concerns about placental dysfunction and fetal developmental risk.
Micro/Nanoplastic Exposure on Placental Health and Adverse Pregnancy Risks: Novel Assessment System Based upon Targeted Risk Assessment Environmental Chemicals Strategy
Using a new risk assessment framework, researchers evaluated 40 studies on how micro- and nanoplastics affect the placenta during pregnancy. They found a moderate-to-low risk of reproductive harm, with smaller particles posing greater danger by disrupting cell function and triggering cell death in placental tissue. These findings suggest that widespread plastic pollution could have implications for pregnancy health.
Microplastics exposure: implications for human fertility, pregnancy and child health
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.
Raman-guided exploration of placental microplastic exposure: Unraveling the polymeric tapestry and assessing developmental implications
Scientists examined placentas from 50 women after delivery and found microplastics in 62% of them, with seven different plastic types identified including Teflon (PTFE), polystyrene, and ABS. While the particles did not appear to affect birth weight, length, or gestational age in this study, their widespread presence in placental tissue confirms that plastic pollution reaches developing babies before birth. More research is needed to understand potential long-term effects.
Quantitation and identification of microplastics accumulation in human placental specimens using pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry
Researchers analyzed 62 human placenta samples and found microplastics in every single one, with concentrations ranging from 6.5 to 685 micrograms per gram of tissue. Polyethylene, the most common plastic in everyday products, made up 54% of the plastics found. This widespread presence of microplastics in placentas raises concerns about fetal exposure during pregnancy and potential effects on development.
Breach of Security? Placental Uptake of Micro- and Nanoplastic Particles
This review examines emerging evidence for placental uptake of micro- and nanoplastic particles, exploring whether the placenta's barrier function can be breached by these contaminants during pregnancy. The review raises concerns about potential fetal exposure to plastic particles and the implications for developmental health.
Systemic distribution and transplacental transfer of micro- and nanoplastics in a filter-feeding marine predator
Scientists found tiny plastic particles in the organs of fin whales, including their lungs, kidneys, liver, and muscles. Most concerning, these plastic particles can pass from pregnant whales to their unborn babies, showing that plastic pollution affects marine life even before birth. Since humans also eat seafood and are exposed to microplastics in similar ways, this research suggests plastic pollution could be harming the health of both marine animals and people.
What Health Concerns Could Micro and Nanoplastics Pose for Infants? A Review
Microplastics and nanoplastics have been detected in human placentas, meconium, and infant faeces, meaning babies can be exposed before and immediately after birth. This review examines what these early-life exposures might mean for infant health and development, and discusses broader policy responses to reduce plastic overproduction as the most direct route to protecting future generations.
Impact of Microplastics on Pregnancy and Fetal Development: A Systematic Review
A systematic review of 12 studies confirmed the presence of microplastics ranging from 2.1 to 100 micrometers in human placentas and fetal tissue. Microplastic levels correlated with reduced birthweight, affected gestational age, diminished microbiome diversity, and impaired fetal growth and development, with lifestyle choices influencing placental microplastic burden.
Experimental human placental models for studying uptake, transport and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics
This review describes experimental human placental models available for studying how micro- and nanoplastics cross the maternal-fetal barrier, including cell cultures, organ-on-chip devices, and tissue perfusion systems. Researchers note that while microplastics have been detected in human placenta, the potential effects on pregnancy and fetal development remain largely unexplored. The study identifies key knowledge gaps and calls for urgent research into the reproductive health risks of plastic particle exposure.