Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

Plastic pollution in human reproduction: should we worry?

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.

2025 Reproductive BioMedicine Online
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 36 citations
Article Tier 2

Association between microplastics in human amniotic fluid and pregnancy outcomes: Detection and characterization using Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis GC/MS

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.

2024 Journal of Hazardous Materials 34 citations
Review Tier 2

Microplastics and human fertility: A comprehensive review of their presence in human samples and reproductive implication

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.

2025 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics in maternal amniotic fluid and their associations with gestational age

Researchers detected microplastics in 80% of amniotic fluid samples from 40 pregnant women, with polyethylene being the most common type, and found that higher microplastic levels were associated with shorter pregnancies. Seafood consumption and bottled water intake were linked to higher microplastic levels in the amniotic fluid, suggesting these are key exposure routes that could affect fetal development.

2024 The Science of The Total Environment 51 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Frontiers in Endocrinology 115 citations
Article Tier 2

Plastic and Life

Scientists developed new methods to detect tiny plastic particles in human placental tissue and found that these particles can get trapped in the placenta, with smaller pieces being retained more than larger ones. The research shows that plastic pollution has reached the most vulnerable stage of human life - unborn babies in the womb - though the particles don't seem to cross easily from mother to baby. This matters because we still don't know if these plastic particles could harm developing babies, making this an important area for future health research.

2026
Article Tier 2

First evidence of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: an emerging threat to female fertility

In the first study of its kind, researchers detected microplastics in the ovarian follicular fluid of 14 out of 18 women undergoing fertility treatment, with an average of about 2,191 particles per milliliter. A significant correlation was found between microplastic concentration and FSH hormone levels, suggesting a possible link to reproductive function. This groundbreaking finding provides direct evidence that microplastics can reach human reproductive organs and may pose a threat to female fertility.

2024 10 citations
Meta Analysis Tier 1

The effects of exposure to microplastics on female reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis pools data from multiple studies to assess how microplastic exposure affects female reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes. The findings suggest that microplastic accumulation may be linked to adverse effects on fertility and pregnancy, highlighting an important and underexplored area of concern for women's health.

2025 Reproductive Toxicology 7 citations
Systematic Review Tier 1

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.

2024 Cureus 21 citations
Article Tier 2

O-280 Unveiling the hidden danger: detection and characterisation of microplastics in human follicular and seminal fluids

Researchers detected and characterized microplastics in human follicular fluid and seminal fluid, providing evidence that plastic particles are present in both male and female reproductive systems. Multiple types of microplastics were identified in the samples using advanced spectroscopic techniques. The findings add to growing evidence that microplastics reach human reproductive organs, raising important questions about their potential effects on fertility and reproductive health.

2025 Human Reproduction 2 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Toxicological Sciences 194 citations
Article Tier 2

Plasticizing Pregnancy: Microplastics Identified in Expectant Mothers’ Feces

Researchers detected microplastic polymers in the feces of pregnant women in Indonesia, providing evidence of microplastic exposure during pregnancy. The study identified several types of plastic particles present in the samples. The findings raise concerns about maternal microplastic exposure and highlight the need for further research into potential effects during pregnancy.

2024 Environmental Health Insights 17 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics 1 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Environmental Advances 27 citations
Article Tier 2

Plasticenta: 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.

2020 Environment International 2970 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2022 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 165 citations
Article Tier 2

The landscape of micron-scale particles including microplastics in human enclosed body fluids

Researchers conducted the first comprehensive survey of micron-scale particles, including microplastics, across thirteen types of human body fluids spanning eight organ systems. They detected microparticles in multiple enclosed body fluids, with polyethylene and polyamide among the most common plastic types found. The findings suggest that microplastic exposure in humans is more widespread than previously understood, with particles reaching diverse internal compartments.

2022 Journal of Hazardous Materials 123 citations
Article Tier 2

The Amniotic Fluid: An Echo of Lifeʹs Aquatic Past, And Micro and Nanoplastics Invasion

This paper draws a parallel between the chemical composition of amniotic fluid and ancient oceans, then examines the growing concern about micro- and nanoplastic contamination of the prenatal environment. The study highlights evidence that plastic particles can reach the amniotic fluid, raising questions about potential impacts on fetal development during a critical window of vulnerability.

2025 Preprints.org 1 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2025 Toxicology Reports 15 citations
Article Tier 2

First evidence of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: An emerging threat to female fertility

For the first time, researchers detected microplastic particles in the fluid surrounding eggs in human ovaries. Tiny plastic particles were found in 14 out of 18 women undergoing fertility treatment, and higher microplastic levels correlated with elevated follicle-stimulating hormone, a key reproductive hormone. While no direct link to fertility outcomes was confirmed in this small study, the findings raise concerns about microplastic exposure and female reproductive health.

2025 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 72 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2021 Pharmaceutics 438 citations
Article Tier 2

First identification of microplastics in human uterine fibroids and myometrium

For the first time, researchers detected microplastics inside human uterine fibroids and surrounding womb tissue, with fibroid tissue containing roughly twice as many plastic particles as healthy tissue. Patients who frequently consumed takeout meals and bottled water had higher microplastic levels, and larger fibroids were associated with more plastic contamination. These findings raise questions about whether microplastics could play a role in the growth of uterine fibroids.

2024 Environmental Pollution 29 citations
Article Tier 2

Understanding the impact of nanoplastics on reproductive health: Exposure pathways, mechanisms, and implications

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.

2024 Toxicology 16 citations