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Researchers discovered higher levels of microplastics in the placentas of preterm births than in those of full-term pregnancies.
The study suggested a link between plastic pollution and premature births.
A recent study has uncovered a troubling connection between microplastic pollution and premature births, highlighting growing concerns over the effects of these microscopic particles on human health. Researchers found significantly higher concentrations of microplastics and nanoplastics in the placentas of preterm births than those in full-term pregnancies. The findings were shared at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s annual meeting in Denver, sparking discussion about the potential role of plastic pollution in pregnancy.
Over the years, tiny plastic particles resulting from the degradation of plastic waste, known as microplastics, have increased, contaminating every part of our planet, from the highest peaks of Mount Everest to the deepest parts of the oceans. These particles may enter our bodies through food, water, and sir. However, their presence in vital organs, particularly the placenta, is a disturbing discovery.
The study conducted in Houston examined 175 placentas—100 from full-term births (averaging 37.2 weeks) and 75 from preterm births (averaging 34 weeks). The researchers found that preterm placentas contained an average of 203 micrograms of plastic per gram of tissue (µg/g), which is more than 50 percent higher than the 130µg/g found in full-term placentas. The types of plastics detected, including PET (found in plastic bottles), PVC, polyurethane, and polycarbonate, indicate that environmental exposure likely plays a major role in this concerning trend.
While it was anticipated that longer pregnancies would result in higher plastic accumulation, the study revealed the opposite. Surprisingly, the shorter gestational periods showed elevated levels of microplastics.
While the exact cause of two-thirds of preterm births is still unknown, the study is seen as a vital step in identifying possible environmental risk factors. Previous studies have already linked air pollution to millions of premature births, leading scientists to explore the possibility that microplastics might also contribute to this global issue.
Microplastics are known to trigger inflammation in human cells. Since inflammation is a significant factor in the onset of labour, the study raises the question of whether higher plastic exposure could lead to earlier pregnancies. This research adds to the growing body of evidence on microplastics in the human body. First detected in placentas in 2020, microplastics have also been found in semen, breast milk, the brain, liver, and bone marrow.
Some studies have even linked microplastics to serious health issues such as strokes and heart attacks, suggesting that these particles may be more than just environmental contaminants—they could potentially play a hidden role in severe medical conditions.
Professor Kjersti Aagaard of Boston Children’s Hospital emphasised the need to raise awareness about the potential dangers of plastic exposure. She explained that the study indicated a possible link between plastic accumulation and preterm births, and, when combined with other recent research, it adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that plastic exposure presents significant health risks, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Researchers are now advocating for studies to determine whether reducing plastic exposure could decrease the likelihood of premature births. They highlighted that efforts to limit plastic exposure, whether through policy changes or individual lifestyle modifications, may soon become a major public health priority.
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