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Microplastics could be contributing to premature births, study finds

More microplastics and nanoplastics found in placentas of babies born early than delivered full term; a causal link is possible, doctors say

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Higher concentrations of plastics have been found in the placentas of premature babies than those of babies born full-term, and US doctors who made the finding suggest the plastics’ presence could be causing pre-term births. Photo: Shutterstock
dpa

Microplastics and nanoplastics are more likely to show up in the placentas of premature babies than those born full-term, according to a team of US-based doctors.

The discovery means there is a “possibility” that the plastic shards “could be contributing to the risk and occurrence of preterm birth”, according to Kjersti Aagaard of Boston Children’s Hospital.

Microplastics are smaller than 5mm (0.2 inches), while nanoplastics are too tiny to be seen by the human eye.

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“When combined with other recent research, this study adds to the growing body of evidence, ranging from heart disease to potentially stroke, that demonstrates a real risk of exposure to plastics on human health and disease,” said Aagaard.
Microplastics are smaller than 5mm (0.2 inches), while nanoplastics are too tiny to be seen by the human eye. They have been found in many parts of the human body, from lungs to blood, and the placenta. Photo: Shutterstock
Microplastics are smaller than 5mm (0.2 inches), while nanoplastics are too tiny to be seen by the human eye. They have been found in many parts of the human body, from lungs to blood, and the placenta. Photo: Shutterstock
Previous studies have found microplastics in human lungs, liver, urine, sputum, breast milk, blood and placenta. In recent years, they have been found in male reproductive organs and shown to pass from mother to unborn baby.
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