Study finds microplastics present in 100% samples of human placentas
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Recent research conducted by University of New Mexico Health Sciences researchers has revealed the presence of microplastics in human placentas, shedding light on a concerning trend in environmental pollution.
Published in the journal Toxicological Sciences on February 17, the study led by Dr. Matthew Campen, a Regents’ Professor in the UNM Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, analyzed 62 placenta samples and discovered microplastics in all of them.
The concentrations ranged from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of tissue, emphasizing the widespread infiltration of microplastics into human biology. While these amounts may seem minute, the rising volume of microplastics in the environment raises significant health concerns, particularly regarding their potential effects on mammalian life.
Utilizing a new analytical tool, the researchers employed a multi-step process involving chemical treatment and pyrolysis to measure microplastic content in the placenta tissue accurately. The most prevalent polymer identified was polyethylene, constituting 54% of the total plastics detected, followed by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nylon.
Dr. Campen expressed worry about the implications of increasing microplastic exposure, highlighting the potential impact on human health, as well as wildlife and ecosystems. Despite traditional assumptions that plastics are biologically inert, emerging evidence suggests that microplastics, particularly those of nanometer size, can penetrate cell membranes, posing potential risks to human health.
The study’s findings underscore the urgent need for further research into the health effects of microplastics and the development of strategies to mitigate their environmental impact. Dr. Campen and his team plan to conduct additional studies to address lingering questions surrounding the health consequences of microplastic exposure.
The growing production and persistence of plastics worldwide pose a daunting challenge, with projections indicating a continued rise in plastic pollution over the coming decades. Dr. Campen emphasizes the critical importance of addressing this issue to prevent further exacerbation of environmental and health concerns associated with microplastic contamination.
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