A new study has found that microplastic and nanoplastic pollution is significantly higher in placentas from premature births compared to full-term births. Researchers detected 203 micrograms of plastic per gram of tissue (µg/g) in preterm placentas, i.e., over 50% more than the 130µg/g found in full-term placentas.
The study at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s annual meeting analyzed 175 placentas from the Houston area and identified 12 plastic types, including PET (from plastic bottles), PVC, polyurethane, and polycarbonate. The findings raise concerns, as microplastics are known to cause inflammation, a key factor in triggering labour.
While the study establishes an association rather than causation, experts stress the urgent need for further research on the health risks of plastic exposure and effective interventions to reduce contamination. Read More
News Credit: The Guardian
Picture Credit: Photodisc/Getty Images