Microplastics discovered in human placentas sparking fears for health of babies

28 February 2024 , 12:54

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Scientists believe microplastics are now everywhere - even potentially getting into the systems of unborn babies (Image: Getty Images)

Microplastics have been found in human placenta prompting fears for unborn foetuses.

Scientists at the University of New Mexico tested 62 post-natal placentas from mothers in an experiment, with grim findings revealing that all samples contained microplastics. Disturbingly, the most common type discovered came from the same type of plastic used in drinks bottles and carrier bags.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles - smaller than 5mm in size - which are too small to be filtered from water and sewage systems. It's estimated that 50-75trillion microplastic particles in our oceans, according to a UNESCO report published last year.

The latest findings published in the Toxicological Sciences journal have now sparked fears about the damage the amount of plastic could be causing developing babies in the womb. It comes as previous studies have already discovered microplastics in breast milk and even human blood.

One study has also estimated that the average human takes in up to 211,000 plastic particles each year, both through the air we breath and food and drink we consume. The study said : “Microplastics can now be found on top of our planet’s highest mountains and at the bottom of our deepest oceans.

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“These tiny particles move in our air, through water systems, and even animal and human bodies. In short, they lurk in every corner of our planet’s ecosystems.”

While it may be too early to fully understand the long-term health impacts caused by microplastics, but scientists say they have already been shown to cause cell damage and clog arteries under lab conditions. Professor Matthew Campen at the University of New Mexico in the US, who led the study on placentas, said: “If we are seeing effects on placentas, then all mammalian life on this planet could be impacted. That’s not good.”

Prof Campen said there was growing suggestion microplastics were everywhere on the planet, and that the particles could be behind illnesses such as IBS and colon cancer in under-50s. “Microplastics carry with them substances which, acting as endocrine disruptors, could cause long-term effects on human health.” he added.

Susie Beever